I found this used book recently, that's titled, "Duty, Honor, Vietnam." It's about 12 men who graduated from West Point and then served our country during the Vietnam War. Howard Boone, who retired as a colonel, described the value of the military college in this way, "West Point turns out a very dedicated product, but the difficulty is that he's not only seen very little of the world, but he's so controlled that he's emotionally and socially insecure."
I've been thinking of this statement as it pertains to the young men of La Carpio, the slum where I'll be teaching carpentry, and much more, in a week. Right now, these boys are dedicated to nothing more than finding something to eat and playing soccer. In addition, most of them are emotionally and socially insecure, not because of too much control in their lives, but from the complete absence of any authority or controlling/guiding influence, such as a father.
Can I teach and inspire these kids to be dedicated enough to learn a skill and become responsible enough to hold a job and provide for themselves? More importantly, will they recognize me as an ambassador for Christ, teaching reconciliation, restoration and hope--words that right now might hold as much meaning to them as duty and honor?
Tuesday, we expect that eight boys will start this program with us. I've been asking God to give me at least three boys that will stick with the program (and me) so that I can become a friend, mentor and discipler to them. I'm really excited to begin the process of building into their lives and seeing what God has in store for them. And I look forward to sharing more about His grace and faithfulness during this season.
Prayerfully,
Seth
Happy New Year! I happened to be listening to Sara Groves' song Add to the Beauty on New Year's Day as I was thinking about what this year has in store for us, and what I'd like to accomplish.
For those of you who aren't familiar with it, here are some of the lyrics:
It comes in small inspirations
It brings redemption to life and work
To our lives and our work
It comes in loving community
It comes in helping a soul find its worth
Redemption comes in strange places, small spaces
Calling out the best of who we are
And I want to add to the beauty
I want to tell a better story
Shine with a light, that's burning up inside
I admit that sometimes the messed up nature of the world weighs me down and makes being a part of God's plan to redeem it seem like an impossible and unwieldy task. Where to begin?
This song reminded me of the small and beautiful things that we see each day that are part of the process of redemption. It struck me that "adding to the beauty" should be the sum total of my New Year's resolution this year. If I am blessed enough to help one soul find its worth this year by reflecting Christ's beauty, that will be enough. No matter how small my contributions, if I've added to the beauty accounts and helped to tell a better story to some who need to hear it, it will be enough. Here's to New Year's perspective!
Reflectively,
Andrea
