Narnia

I have been in south Florida for the last week and a half, relaxing and doing a lot of reading. I actually just finished the last of the seven books in The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis. If you have never had a chance to read these classics, I highly recommend that you check them out. A movie adapted from the second book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, will be hitting theaters in December.

Although these books were written for children, they are very entertaining, and have so many deep and symbolic truths locked away in their pages. Lewis is a masterful story-teller, and makes the land of Narnia seem so real that you feel as though you are a part of the story. It is awesome that the same man who wrote these books also wrote Mere Christianity and several other great Christian works. The Narnia books are very much Christian alegory, with the Lion Aslan being Lewis' representation of Jesus Christ.

I could go on about the books forever, but for the sake of time I will leave you with two of my favorite passages.

From the fourth book, Prince Caspian: "He led them to the right of the dancing trees - whether they were still dancing nobody knew, for Lucy had her eyes on the Lion and the rest had their eyes on Lucy..."

The context of this passage is that Aslan is leading Lucy and the other children through an unfamiliar territory on a dark night. Lucy is the only one that can see Aslan. It struck me that we need to block out all distractions and keep our eyes on Jesus, because others have their eyes on us, and many times, we may be the only ones that can see where to follow.

I cannot find one of my other favorites quotes right now, but I remember in one of the earlier stories one character asking another if Aslan was a tame lion. The response was, "Tame, no. But he's good."

This theme of Aslan not being a "tame" lion is reinforced throughout the stories. Many times in life, we look for things that are tame. We want a life we can predict and control. The life Jesus has planned for us is not that way. It is not tame, but it is good. If we look at the life of Jesus it is the same, and He promises that to us. Just like in Narnia, where characters constantly speak of "accepting the adventure Aslan sends our way," we need to accept and embrase the untamed and adventurous life Jesus sends our way.

Well, I have more books to read, and I need to get the house picked up. Tomorrow, I am securing the hurricane shutters and heading north. I would kind of like to stay and ride out the Category 5 Wilma, but I have work to do in Kentucky. Oh well, maybe some other time.

Dios les bendiga,

Josh

Chicago Marathon 2005 - Mission Accomplished!

Well, today was one of those days that you don't soon forget. Along with my good friend Matt, I completed my first marathon, the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. Although it was challenging, and I am still having a little trouble walking, I enjoyed every minute of it. The marathon route took us all over the city, through many neighborhoods, and past landmarks like Lake Michigan, Millenium Park, U.S. Cellular Field (home of the White Sox), and the United Center (home of the Bulls). I got to see Greek Town, Little Italy, Chinatown, and an area I call Little Mexico (I don't think this is the official name). By far my favorite part of the course was running through Lincoln Park. The spectators lined the streets three and four people deep for two to three miles, giving high fives, cheering you on, and handing out everything from Gatorade and water to free doughnuts. We had our names on the front of our shirts, so many of the fans would yell "Go Josh!" as I ran by. This always made me run a little faster. From the very beginning all the way through the finish line it was an awesome experience, and I hope to be able to run it again sometime soon.

I have to brag on my friend Matt for just a minute. The man ran a 3:46 marathon. That is very impressive. I only stayed with him for about the first five miles. I ended up running a 4:18. I was pleased with my time, as I wanted to break 4:20, but I will try to break four hours the next time I run. I learned a lot, and enjoyed myself immensely. There is not much quite like the feeling of setting a goal, putting a lot of hard work into preparing to meet that goal, and then accoplishing what you set out to do. I thank God that He allowed me to take part in this marathon, and gave me the strenght and endurance to finish strong.

I will attempt to post a picture or two later this week. Stay tuned. If you want to look up my splits, go to www.chicagomarathon.com and click on 2005 race results. You can search for a runner and enter my name. If you don't know my last name, that is intentional. Shoot me an email, and I will send you what you need to know. Thank you to my parents, who drove to Chicago with me and were a great source of encouragement during the race.

The Great Commissioning

I have just finished a very special and significant night in my life. Tonight I was commissioned for missionary service by my home church in Kentucky. As I listened to my pastor, my friends, and my family all share tonight, I was once again reminded of just how much God has blessed my life. I have so much to be thankful for.

I just want to thank God for the numerous people he has put in my life that have made such a profound impact on me. My family has always been my number one support group, and I was so proud to have them standing beside me tonight as I was commissioned. My three-year-old nephew layed his hands on my shoulder as we prayed, and reached up and wiped away a tear from my cheek when I just couldn't hold it anymore. As much as I will miss my parents, grandparents, and my sister and her family, it is because of who they are that I am even in a position to do this. Thank you! It was also a special treat to have my Uncle Ed drive from out of state to be present for the occasion.

I was so blessed to have several members of the college and young adult ministry there with me. It has been an immense privilege to serve with them over the last year and a half. I am sure that I have learned more from all of them than I have taught in Bible study or Sunday school. I will miss the fellowship and friendships.

I was surrounded by several men who have accompanied me on short-term mission trips to Mexico. They have seen first-hand the way God has worked on my heart as He has prepared me for the mission field, and they have been a constant source of encouragement. I expect to see them again in Mexico, this time with me serving as the translator. :o)

I was surrounded by my pastor and other ministers from my church, who have always provided a Godly example of leadership, and who work hard to minister to my needs and support my growth and development as a Christian. I am so thankful for my church, it's leadership, and their commitment to Jesus. I pray that my ministry will be as effective as that I have witnessed at home.

Finally, I was so blessed to have so many people from my church who hugged me, encouraged me, and committed to pray for me. Prayer is the greatest gift you can give any missionary. I covet your prayers. It means the world to me to know that you are thinking about me, and lifting me up to God on a daily basis. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I really didn't know what to expect from tonight. God has given me an incredible sense of humility. It's like the Casting Crowns song In Me says: "How refreshing to know you don't need me. How amazing to know that you want me." That is how I feel before God - so blessed and awed that He would call me to go to a foreign land and be His ambassador. I pray that I will always approach this mission with humility, respectful of the great honor and privilege that it is to be in the service of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

I thank everyone for making me feel so loved and encouraged tonight and every night, and I thank God for providing such amazing people to share my life with. Dios les bendiga!