Being Stretched

Let's imagine for a moment that Someone very powerful offered to give you the deepest desire of your heart. What would that be? Not the first things to pop into your head - you know those are shallow and ultimately not fulfilling. Dig down, search deep into your truest self; to the very core and essence of who you are. What then?

I will tell you mine. The deepest desire of my heart is to know God (as fully and thoroughly as is humanly possible) and to share that knowing with the world. With all those poor, lost souls out there. With you.

I heard something last night. It goes something like this: God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, beyond anything I could hope for or imagine. My imagination can take me pretty far. I think of writers like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis; like J.K. Rowlings and Stephanie Meyer. Or how about songwriters like Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, Elvis - dare I believe in exceedingly, abundantly beyond?

I do. Yes, I really do. Because I know the power of words. One of the greatest lies we've ever told ourselves goes like this: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me". Words have tremendous power to hurt. Or heal. To make us laugh or cry; to tear us down or build us up. I know the passion of my God to reach out to us through those healing, encouraging, life-giving words. To tell us of His love for us. To speak to us about our futures (which He designs as good, by the way).

So, I believe that Someone powerful has offered to give me the deepest desires of my heart; and I believe that the fulfillment of those desires will exceed my greatest expectations and go beyond my wildest imaginings.

Here I am, Lord, send me.

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I thought I was done, but then I remembered the title of this little blog (Being Stretched) and I forgot to mention that my dear brother Lawrence has told me that he wants me to "lead worship" for two songs tomorrow night and I am trying desperately to not freak out and to remember that it's all about God and not about me and that everyone around me loves me and accepts me even if I screw up completely which I won't as long as I stay away from "F"s and all bar chords. (and for all you would-be editors out there... yes, I know that was one long run-on sentence. You are supposed to read it that way, breathlessly, so you get the full impact of my consternation).

You know, folks, it's one thing to say "yes" to God. It's another thing when you realize He's actually taking you up on your offer. Tomorrow is a small beginning and it doesn't frighten me for its own sake. But I can see where this is leading and that scares the socks off me! Scares me at the same time it thrills me because this first step is taking me towards the fulfillment of my heart's desire!

So... I say "Yes" again and "bring it on!" Here we go, God, woo hoo!