Today has been a busy day. Recently TMP has been introducing me to their aquaponics* system, which is extremely simple in theory, but very complex to manage. But it has been great to spend some time outside the office and work with my hands. I figured out how to change a busted outlet for a new one today, and I am way proud of myself for that.
A short time ago, my friend Tim talked to me about how life in Kansas was going, and how my heart was doing. I admitted that the move has been tough, and I really miss everyone back home, and he replied by calling me to be focused instead of nostalgic. He really called me out, because as I examine my attitude towards being in Kansas, I have been grateful, but at the same time, I sorely miss Florida and all my friends. Tim said, "Nostalgia never helped anyone get anywhere." This could not have been more true, or applicable to me in this moment. Not a day goes by where I don't think about Tallahassee, or Lakeland and wonder if I'm making the right decision. But I have to trust God, yet another idea that is simple in concept but complex in action.
God is planning something, I can see this because I am nearly 100% funded to stay in Topeka for year, which initially was a concern for me. But God keeps throwing money my way from places I didn't even know it would come from, just as to say, "Here you go, Daniel. You better get comfortable in Topeka." Which cracks me up, because I can only see such a small piece of the picture that God is working on in this stage in my life. My moss, Jon, called me to think about my time here as short, because in the grand scheme of my entire life, or even bigger: eternity, one year spent in Topeka is a short time. I only have 11 more months to do as much good for TMP as I possibly can. I would challenge you, reader, to commit to wherever you might be in your life right now. Pray that you and I could be used, stretched, and grown as we seek to impact the community we are in for the gospel. Pray that we would grow to love the people around us, even to the point of sacrificing ourselves.
All this being said, I'm sorry if the things I have posted on any social media site seemed really nostalgic, I am praying that God would change my heart to grow in Topeka. I want to grow to know and love people in my community, and build relationships here. I apologize for seeming like I am not grateful, or blessed to have this opportunity right now to work for an amazing ministry.
Thanks for all the support and prayers, the weeks at work are getting busier and busier! TMP continues our church visits this weekend, so pray that people would be globally and missionally minded, and respond to the invitation to give that we present! I love and miss you all!
John3:30
-Daniel
* Aquaponics is a sustainable food productionsystem that combines Aquaculture (raising of aquatic animals such as fish, crawfish, shrimp, etc.) and Hydroponics (the growing of plants in water such as tomatoes, squash, watermelon, lettuce, etc.) in a self sustaining environment. We are currently building a new facility in the Dominican Republic, for more information visit Trashmountain.com.
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