We made it home safely. I was glad to see Kendra and the kids. It has been a little over a week since I returned. I have been somewhat surprised at how long it has taken me to get back into a routine. I seem to be up and down emotionally. I have been thinking a lot about my expereince and how it has impacted me. Here are a few thoughts.
I am more content. While I have always despised the American dream (big house, new cars, nice wife, two kids, and a safe life), I am more thankful for God's provisions for our family. It seems strange that it takes a visit to a third world country to achieve this.
I am more focused. I want my life to count for eternity. My commitments (Christ follower, marriage, father, leader, pastor) are stronger, my priorities are clearer, my motivation is sharper. I don't want to live a status quo kind of life. When I give an account for my life before God, I want to hear him say, "well done."
I am more concerned. My burden for lost people has quadrupled. Lost people in our community. Lost people in India. Lost people all over the world. I carry images of lost people (I see their faces) in my mental wallet. I cannot forget them. Who is going to reach them?
I have a bigger view of God. Seeing another part of the world has increased my view of the the greatness of God. The world is so large, and there are so many people, and so many cultures, and so many birds and cows and rats and pigs and animals and plants and...did I mention people? God knows every detail. He created every detail. He is actively engaged in managing every detail. Yea, I trust him with every detail in my life.
I have a fear. I am more concerned than ever about raising five children in a place like Holmes County. Oh, don't get me wrong, it is a great community. There are benefits but also challenges. The challenge is to raise our kids to care about people that have never heard the gospel. The danger is spiritual apathy.
Thanks,
Larry Kaufman
