Driving with a full tank

On Sunday, our church had it’s last What’s Paradox information service. I have invited my parents to almost every one of these services, but for one reason or another they have not been able to attend any of the previous services. A few weeks ago I told my mom about this one and she put it on the calendar…I was so excited!

I come from a family of strong believers who are always seeking to know God better and understand His ways more and more. We’re pretty unconventional in most aspects of our lives, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’ll never be exposed to so many different, exciting or challenging things as when you live your life “outside the box” so to speak. My dad has a very adventurous spirit and he’s led our family in a really unique way because of that. We’ve met all kinds of people from different backgrounds and cultures, we’ve eaten all manner of weird food from the tame like venison to the wild like heartbeast to the peculiar like squirrel! We’ve moved alot to different cities or even countries (Kenya!) we’ve experienced periods of legalism in the beginning of our faith and sweet freedom in Christ these days. Needless to say, life has never been boring. There were times I resented all the change and just wanted to live a normal cookie-cutter life like everyone else with their white picket fence and same house their whole life. Now, more than ever, I am realizing that I have been so fortunate to live a crazy life and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

All of that was to say that we are drawn to things that are different. We’re involved in an internet business that by the average person’s estimation is weird, but we can see past that to the unbelievable potential that it has. We like food that is different from spaghetti and mac n’ cheese, and we like church that isn’t just like every other “put your happy face on and enjoy the show” church out there. It’s only fitting that Andy and I were so drawn to Paradox. It’s not a perfect church, we don’t know it all, but we are trying our hardest to follow God and do church radically different not for the sake of being different, but for the sake of imitating our radical savior.

On Sunday, my parents were able to get a glimpse of what has gotten us so excited about this church. I was bursting with joy to have my mom, dad and brother sitting next to me hearing the vision we believe God has set in our hearts for our community. All kids like to have their parents (especially dad’s) approval and support when they are doing something new. On Sunday morning I got to feel that for myself. It felt like the sun shining down and warming me from head to toe. I don’t know if you get that elated feeling when you soak up the warmth of the sun on a spectacularly beautiful day (like today!) but it makes me break out into a huge smile. My family was able to catch the vision of what we are doing with our lives right now and they were excited for us!

After church we went out for a giant smorgasbord of middle eastern food and we feasted and shared what was on our hearts. It couldn’t have been more perfect. After lunch we headed back to our new house so that Dad and John could see the progress we’ve made. Dad took a nap for a while, John and Andy shot hoops in the backyard and mom and I got to sit and chat which is one of our favorite things.

Eventually they had to head home, but as they backed out the driveway I felt like my tank was full and overflowing. I was so thankful for my wonderful family and all that had taken place that morning and afternoon, both spoken and unspoken. Still today I feel like I’m driving with a full tank…