There's No Pause Button

Something that I've realized coming home is that many people say I'm on vacation, taking time off, or something along those lines.  While I am taking this time to enjoy the beach down the road from my house and reconnecting with people State-side, that doesn't mean I'm on pause with ministry.  

The more I'm away from home, the more I find myself compelled to invest heavily in people's lives (through conversations, prayer, and actions) both here in the States as well as in Northern Ireland.  I'm really good at not staying connected with people.  And I'm NOT proud of that.  It's a weakness I'm trying to strengthen, staying communicated despite my geographical location.

However, I'm a firm believer that ministry is not a volunteer position, vocation, or career.  It's a lifestyle.  Many times when talking with people, they don't necessarily understand that, but when you're switched on and aware of what Christ has done for you, you can't help but have that overwhelm you to the point that it overflows into every aspect of your life: from conversations with cashiers (I embarrass my friends so much some times!), to difficult discussions with friends and family I love and want the best for, to standing strong for what I believe even when people I care about mock or test me (it breaks my heart, but grows my love for them and my longing for them to know Christ the way I do).

My life is an outpour of what Christ has done for me, in me, and through me.  Some people may not understand that (you, the reader, maybe), it may seem crazy or ridiculous, but I'm compelled by what Sister Teresa once said: "I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love."  Christ gave love until it hurt, unto death, how can I give any less than my life?  I have found there is no pause button, life is always streaming live.  I have to ask myself, is my live stream worth watching, or would God rather switch the channel?