Tonight, I had dinner with my parents and had a very exciting conversation.  We were talking about the future, and they of course, threw in their two cents about how I should find a girl and get married.  Well, I had a few opinions on that issue....I expressed to them that at this point in my life, I am perfectly happy being a single man.  I am able to devote my attention wholly to the Lord and not be consumed by the spiritual, emotional, financial, and time commitments that a relationship requires.  The Lord Jesus is my greatest love and treasure, and He alone deserves my life completely.  Now, this does not mean that I look down upon relationships and marriage, especially for others.  I am just saying that for me, I want to devote my complete attention to the Lord and I simply don't think I can do that if I were involved in a relationship.

Anyway, that's not really what was so exciting about our conversation.  I expressed my desire to eventually cease being a music teacher and commit my life to some kind of overseas ministry.  I strongly desire to reach the lost and share the love of Jesus with those who, perhaps, have never had the chance to even hear Jesus' name.  I have had this desire for quite some time.  I have just been so torn, because I do believe the Lord has gifted me as a music teacher.  But my heart is, especially more recently, not fully satisfied with this.  I really believe that the Lord has placed a burden on my heart to one day go to the nations with the gospel.  I shared with them the desire to follow in the footsteps of such heroes of mine as Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and BJ Higgins.  They laid their lives aside to follow the Lord's leading in going to the nations.  They embody the meaning of Jesus' teaching: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it." (Luke 9:23-24).

The world we live in is desperately lost and in need of a Savior.  "But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed?  And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?  And how are they to hear without someone preaching?  And how are they to preach unless they are sent?" (Rom. 10:14-15).  I'm tired of staying back and watching others go and do this great work.  I long to be there with them.  "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few," says Jesus.  He needs me to go!  How can I ignore such a great and needy call?  

In Your time, Lord.  In Your time.  Lead me where you would have me go.  I ask for a heart that is obedient and faithful to You.  Jesus is worthy of my life, and I pray to honor Him with it.  Amen.