I'm Rich!

I had an epiphany last week. I was saying good bye to my oldest son, Aaron as I was being dropped at the airport, flying back to Kansas City, to finish getting ready for this trip. As always it was extremely painful, especially since he has gone through so much turmoil and personal pain in the last year. On top of that, my four year old grand daughter was in her carseat, downcast and sad because I was leaving...again.
It hit me as I went weeping, into the airport, that the reason that it’s so painful, is not because it’s “bad” to leave, (something I struggle with each time because it “feels” bad) but because my life is so rich. I have so many people I love and am in precious relationship with. I can’t stand to leave any of them. The worst pain is family...but then also dear friends, old and new. I may not know some of them for years, but God has sown them into my heart and given me His love for them. Like Jamaica...the patients of the Infirmary...how special they are to my heart. Other’s have been with me a long time..through thick and thin, pain and joy, weeping and laughing. Still, the newest of my relationships...barely begun through IHOP and CRI...how jealous I am to know them more. They are so extraordinary, with fiery tender hearts for the hurting, lost and wounded. Like Mary of Bethany, they have chosen the “better” thing and are being transformed into something so beautiful.
So when I’m home, and it’s time to go...pain. When I’m in Kansas City, and it’s time to go...yet more pain. When I’m in Jamaica and it’s time to go..pain, pain, pain.
What a privilege. To mourn means you have loved. It means you have something in your life, worth grieving for. How rich am I?

So here I am once more, in beloved Jamaica...I’m going to receive all the joy, laughter, love, sweat and tears it has to offer. And become richer still.

To my family who have had their share of pain because of my journey...because of these choices I make...I say rejoice! We’re rich! Isn’t it wonderful to love one another so much, we don’t want to be apart! ( you can slap me later :-)

Wondering what tomorrow will bring..........give us all dreams and visions Lord...just like you promised, and are even now, pouring out on men and women, young and old. Release your power! In Jesus name!