What-ah-achoo

This weekend, I had the awesome opportunity to help on a mission trip to Tennessee. It was a lot of fun, and I even got to drive a mini-bus, and use an air-powered staple gun :) But what will stick with me is the transformation in me. I am not the same guy as I was 2 years ago on the fall break trip to Benton Harbor. There I was timid, and wasn't sure how to act at a construction site. I needed guidance just about every step. I struggled to put down grass, and put up some basic drywall. I was timid to share about what God is doing in my life, cause I just wanted to enjoy the trip, and make sure I had some funny story to tell that would make everyone laugh.
But this weekend was the opposite. The right tools were shown to me, and I pieced them together to put underlayment on the floor. Sweeping and vacuuming the floor, then cutting the piece, applying glue, then stapling it down. I then did my best to organize the team, and had them working in different rooms. Then any chance I got, I would ask how they were doing, and find out what their major was, and what God is doing in their life. I wasn't shy in the least about saying that I am a sinful man, but God has molded me in such a way that He glorifies Himself through my life. Anyone can look at my life and see the many faults in it. But spend some time with me, and you will just as easily see the many blessings God has given me.
Yeah life has been hard and rough at times, and continues to be, but God has not called me to a life of easy living. But he has called me to a life that when I can see what He sees, I realize that life is a lot easier this way.
Anyway, I like my life, and I love how God is growing me, and the times where I can see the growth make it much easier to keep fighting those daily battles. I am excited for the things that He will do through me. And when that happens, please know that it is not by my power, or plans, or anything I have done, but by God's glory that I am here living day and night, and advancing for His kingdom.