Why am I here today?

From time to time I ask myself this question. It usually comes after being frustrated with a situation or set of circumstances that are out of my control. Since I am not a confrontational person, I suck it up and try to remember I am in another culture, I don't speak the language, and they do things differently here.

One of the things I tried to do back home when I was working on a particular construction job was to think of how to make the job as easy as possible for the others trades I was working with - bringing them in at the right time, leaving space for them to work, etc. For some reason, I keep hitting a wall on this here. They seem okay about moving the same pile of dirt twice or not thinking about how their work might affect others. Maybe it is just my inability to communicate; I don't know. All I know is if I was doing the job, I would do it differently. So, it is then that I take a deep breath and ask myself, "Why am I here today?"

I love these Guatemalan people and I know God loves them, too! I think back to the verse in 2 Corinthians 5:14, that talks about the finished work of the cross and that it is His love that compels us not to live for ourselves, but for Him. I am here to serve and be a part of the body of Christ and it is His love that compels me to do so. I would not be here if it was not for the overwhelming love and grace He has poured out into my life. So, in view of God's love, I can help support and walk alongside my brothers in Christ, as they move the vision here in Tactic towards fulfilment. That includes empowering them to see themselves as valuable in moving ahead in the things of the Lord and helping them complete projects that will facilitate growth in the Kingdom of God.

This week a significant portion of the bridge was completed and now we will have access to the new property! The two 48 foot truck decks were put in place and soon we will be able to drive across and begin building the road. I look forward to this next phase with anticipation and even though I know I will ask myself a few more times, "why am I here?" I know the answer will always be the same...it is the love of Christ that compels me.

Blessings,

Rocky