Those who know me well are familiar with the struggle that I've had finding direction for my life. My interests range from economic development to writing to ecclesiology (church-y stuff) to music to entrepreneurial ventures...adding to the breadth of my interests my propensity to indecision complicates the situation.
This summer, I hoped, would encompass many of those interests and help provide some direction for life after undergrad. Well, I'm pleased to report it did. And I am eternally grateful to those who made this experience possible; supporters (financial, prayer, emotional, intellectual, and morale), those at FH who organized everything, my home church (Central Christian) and my other home church (ECC).
In Indonesia, in some form or another, I was able to dabble in missions, church life, development, entrepreneurship, writing, leadership, followership :), agriculture, dirt bike driving, jungle trekking...you get the point. So I couldn't have asked for a more fitting opportunity.
What I learned this summer really will be life changing...direction altering...mission focusing....
The unifying factor in all these interests of mine is the Gospel. The direction that God wants me to head is straight towards the cross of Christ (Phil 3:14). His plan for me is the same as His plan for you (Heb 9:12). He plans to, and will, restore our broken souls to glory (2 Pet 1:3-4).
Phillipians speaks volumes to this. Paul opens the letter by sharing how his suffering in prison has "really served to advance the gospel". And at the close of the same chapter he lays it out clear and simple in this line,
"to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (1:21).
In case you tend to favor the left side of your brain...
Life = Christ
Death = Gain
Pretty simple.
The lines that follow flesh out this incredible Truth; "If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose (life or death) I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart (DIE) and be with Christ for that is far better."
Lord willing I will be graduating this December. That's about four and a half months from now. So what's next, Andrew?
For me, it's His glory...my Joy (Psalm 119:111 et al).
As I mentioned in my previous entry I will be transitioning away from this blog. I intend to use this address to keep my friends in Indonesia posted on life in Indiana. Feel free to check it out for those updates.
I also plan to set up a more substantial blog to share my walk in a more personal and more participatory way with those who are interested. If you'd be interested in following along with me there, send an email to andrewhhughes@gmail.com and I will let you know when I get the details ironed out.
Until Then...
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you." Titus 2:11-15
1 comment:
I really can't wait to see all your pictures from your trip.. that should be first on the "Indo agenda"
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