David Leventhal

Well…we made it home.  I think we’re both running on fumes!  It’s just after 8 p.m. & Missy & Lilly have been in bed for two hours.  I took Daniel, Caroline & Abigail out for fajitas & just got them in bed.  There are a thousand things I need to do – unpack, start laundry, go through mail, etc…  But I’m totally fried & think I’ll just go to bed.

I’d ask for you to pray for us as we transition back to Central Standard Time – that we would be able to quickly recover from the jet lag so we can give the kids the attention they need.  Also, that Missy & I would be able to appropriately process our time in Africa & for the upcoming decisions that need to be made.

While in Africa I finished Francis Chan’s book Crazy Love.  I took my time working through this book – trying to savor each chapter & to really get a feel for what he suggests is the appropriate response to a holy, all-consuming, merciful God.  I think I’ve mentioned this before – but I’ll do it again…this is a solid book & would be worth your time and money.  He writes a couple things towards the end of the book that have stuck with me.

“God doesn’t call us to be comfortable.  He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through.” (p. 124)

“We are consumed by safety. Obsessed with it, actually.  Now, I’m not saying it is wrong to pray for God’s protection, but I am questioning how we’ve made safety our highest priority.  We’ve elevated safety to the neglect of whatever God’s best is, whatever would bring God the most glory, or whatever would accomplish His purposes in our lives and in the world.  People who are obsessed with Jesus aren’t consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else.  Obsessed people care more about God’s kingdom coming to this earth than their own lives being shielded from pain or distress.” (p. 132)