Impressions

In "western" culture, for decades now there has been great emphasis and educational campaigns placed on "no littering" in the 80s; recycling in the 90s; going "green" in the early 2000s and now the catch phrase is looking at our "carbon footprints".  First of all, let me say, I am all for taking care of our earth.  I think it is very important. However, I believe that we need a mindset shift in our push to "save the earth". We need to look at what we ARE leaving to the next generation not just what we don't want to leave.

Last winter, during a storm at sea,  a large Russian cargo vessel stalled out and was thus washed ashore.  It remained there for months as repair experts tried to get in running; however, it was deemed inoperable.  This summer it has been painstakingly disassembled and piece by piece hauled away by large trucks.          

It is totally gone now, but the "impressions" are there.  I don't mean "physical" impression.  Besides the occasional piece of metal found buried in the sand, no one would ever know by looking at the beach that the monster lay marooned their for months.  However,  the people that live here still say, "I'll meet you where the boat used to be."

When our family has moved from this apartment, what will be said of us?  "We live on the same floor where the Travis family used to live."    "Remember there was a kind American family on floor 18.  We live where they used to."  I do not hope for these things so that the Travis name gets glory.  I pray about what impressions I am making because I know that in a country where Christians are in the minority what I do and say leaves a picture in people's eyes of Believers as a whole.  Right or wrong, often how people see followers of Christ is how they see Christianity as a whole.  What impression do I give as a Christ follower?  Does my impression make people want to know more about my God? 

I may come to their shores looking like a big ugly foreign ship, but in the end what shines through me?  Let it be the Sonlight!!  Let eyes be opened to the wonder of a loving God.  Let their impressions be that they must seek out this ONE that washes away all the things of the past and can restore them to new life.  AT    

 

She is 10!!

What a blessed family we are to have Grace Michell in our lives.  She is learning to bake and cook.  She made her own birthday cake this year.  Her gift was roller blades, which she loves, but it is too hot to use them in this 120 degree weather!!  For now, she is enjoying her ice skating lessons.  Who would have thought....ice and snow in the desert!  Grace's truth theme for herself this year is:  I am beautiful, tender-hearted, gracious, kind and determined to follow God with my whole heart.  We love you Monkey!! AT