Two Types of People in the World

I've been away from my blog for a while, and for that I apologize (not that any of you feel offended by this absence...). But for what this blog post is going to contain, I just can't apologize for.

Throughout my life, I have developed a theory about people and how they see the world, how they see why the world was created, why we exist on it, why others come into their lives, why they experience things, etc. I've come to know that there are two types of people.

The first are people who see the world only through their eyes. It is somehow ingrained deeply in who they are that they are the only ones who actually exist- that the world was created simply for them to live their lives. That people outside their circles exist, but only to make up statistics that may or may not effect this individual. Please, please, don't get me wrong. Sometimes these people are so nice, and they are pleasant and wonderful. But sometimes, you may be burned by them- and badly.

The second type of person sees that there are billions of people thinking billions of thoughts, each with billions of different circles. This type sees that the world is large, but still believes that somehow, they were put here for a purpose. Being one of these people, it can get discouraging, this big earth, but this type of person also believes that God has orchestrated this large planet with all these beautiful people for a reason and that we get to be one tiny little blip on this massive chart, each with our own poetic story.

Sometimes the second type can fall into believing those beliefs of the first type. This can be so confusing and frankly disappointing when we realize that no, God didn't simply create the whole world for us.

I hope I'm not coming on too strong, or saying this hurtfully. It's simply how I have come to learn what people believe. And honestly, the word "believe" is almost too light for what I'm trying to describe to you. 

Also please know that I don't think the first type can't change, that they can't someday come to realize that all the 7.165 billion people on this planet have thoughts and lives outside their own. I think that's completely possible.

But what's funny about this whole thing is that while you may think I identify with only the second type, I am somewhat first typed.... I realized that this week when I was with my grandma. I realized that to me, I don't realize that she has lives outside of when I'm there, or the stories I hear from my aunt, cousin, and mother. She lives in her house everyday. Spends most of her time alone, in her small house that's filled with things that remind her that her house wasn't always empty. I can't get over the fact that I somehow convinced myself that she doesn't spend the same amount of time I do, just simply living.... and that's the way some people see every single person they've never met.


I'm sure this sounds like such random rambling... But let me leave you with this reminder: There are approximately 7.165 BILLION people on this Earth. That means that there are 7.165 billion people breathing right now. There are 7.165 billion people and this earth was created for them just as much as it was created for you, for me. There are 7.165 billion people on this planet we call home and God knows and loves each one of them and waits for the day that they cry out to Him so that He can come to their rescue. 

I hope we never ever again believe that we're alone.

All In!

Here's something I wrote last spring:

"About a month ago, I spent a week with my camp mom and dad. They are always inspiring me in ways they don't even know, and I love getting to spend time with them. Most of our time was spent doing work for camp, and it was great! This summer, I'm going to be the assistant director at Camp Cherith. I am so excited to have this new experience.... But also a little nervous. I'm nervous that I won't get enough time with the kids. I'm nervous that I won't be sufficient for the job. I'm nervous that I'm going to get too tired...

But as I write this, there's one word that's echoing through my heart and mind: trust. Trust that God called me here for a reason. Trust that the camp board & director didn't hire me for just any reason. Trust that God will give me the strength for this summer. Trust that He can do it.

I'm reading the book All In by Mark Batterson (it's the book we're going to be using during our staff Bible study this summer). It's a great book... But something definitely stuck out the other day "If Jesus hung on His cross, we can certainly carry ours! It's our highest privilege and greatest responsibility. Anything less than the complete surrender of our lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ is robbing God of the glory He demands and deserves. It's also cheating ourselves our of the eternal reward God has reserved for us."

Long story short: I'm along for the ride. I have decided to be "All In." I don't know where it's going to go. I'm trusting, following, and trying my hardest to enjoy the ride. There have been so many changes in my life lately, but the underlying theme has been trust (Maybe He's trying to tell me something). He has the details. He has given me so much... He's given me everything! And the least I can do is give Him my life.

All this to say, I've realized that worrying is safe. Trusting Him is scary, at first, but ultimately the best thing for us."

Worrying is safe. Trusting Him is scary. How true... From last spring to right now (6months) these words are still ringing through my life!! We are continually being asked to trust Him with everything. 

I've been going to Young Life leadership meetings (I've been considering becoming a leader). Last night we studied the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10, and how he followed all the commandments, but the idea of going "all in" with Jesus scared him. It disappointed him, he turned away disheartened. My prayer is that I continually see what an honor it is to go all in for the king of the universe, and that the price tag never seems too high. 

This has especially been working in my life as I decided to not go to grad school. I chose to honor God with my finances, and now I've been trusting Him in my job search. I went in to it thinking "if I get a full time job, I will go with it, because I know that's where God has lead." But instead He's been piecing together different part time things (which I hope means camp next summer.... And the next summer, and the next summer, and... Well you get the idea) :)

But the point is that I have to be willing to give everything, sell all my possessions, give to the poor, be willing to give up my dreams (even grad school and camp). We can find hope in the fact that if we delight ourselves in The Lord, he will give us the desires of our heart. Because if we are delighting ourselves in The Lord, our desires will be His desires.

I hope this is encouraging to you, and if my story isn't enough, look back at your life: where has God been faithful? (maybe an easier question us where HASNT He been faithful... Never!) be encouraged by the times God has triumphed through you, Despite you. This summer is a huge milestone in my life, especially to think back and see that I had the doubts mentioned above. But God reigns through our doubts and our trust issues! How awesome.