What weighs me down?
I was talking to Dennae today about doing things outside our comfort zone. She was saying how the more we push to do things outside our comfort zones, the harder it is to find new things that are outside. That is because we actually get comfortable with the actual fact that we are outside "the zone". I think that is a good thing because we are more likely to venture out and go for something. I also challenged her to begin praying for God to challenge her to something that is outside her zone.
As I have transitioned my focus of ministry from Crisis Pregnancy Centers leadership (way outside my comfort zone a couple of years ago - way inside it now) to doing something that isn't quite defined with "young adults", I have certainly thought I am stretching. As I look at it now, it is only stretching because the "success" of it is not clearly defined, nor the steps to make it successful. I am totally in my "zone" reaching out to this age group.
So, what have I done that is outside my "zone". The answer to that was quite obvious. I have enthusiastically encouraged my 21 year old daughter to run for what God is calling her to do. She is not only my daughter, but one of my best friends in the whole world. As I occassionally struggle with the pull of the flesh (or more likely the soul) to think about how much I miss her and am tempted to be hurt that she is choosing to be away from me. As I resist the temptation to be angry, bitter, resentful, or to build a wall of protection around my heart and be cold toward her, I have to take those thoughts captive. I reach for what is truely love and embrace her decision, even though they are painful to my flesh.
I love you, Dennae, more than you will ever know. My heart aches at our seperation. And, I cheer for you as you embrace what God moves you to do. I will continue to hope that His direction will bring our paths close together throughout our lives. If not, I will continue to remember how short life is on this earth compared to eternity. And I will look forward to the first hundred years or so in heaven, as we tell each other great stories of how God showed up in our lives in mighty ways. YOU GO GIRL!!!
About Me
- Dennis Rogers
- I love my life! I am a husband to one incredible wife; a dad to two amazing daughters and a son to the Most High God! I own a financial services business and love helping people make good decisions about their money so they can live consistent with their values. Most of all I love ministering to young people and whoever else I have the opportunity to.
10 comments:
I share your pain...but also your joy. We'll get through it! :)
You know, reading about and experiencing your love for your daughters, and spending time with all the kids has really made me want my own children...but of course, not anytime soon. ;)
yes, eddie...not any time soon, please. (our kids are in plenty need of big brothers for the time being :))
dad, you know what--I think sometimes people use love to trap people (border bullies), but you have (yet again) shown me what true unconditional love is. hmm...I have lots to say, maybe I should just call you (for the 3rd time today). Thank you for helping me to experience another part of God's love for me and us.
hey...you need to post again :)
I taught him how to use pictures, so he has no excuse now! :D
I have read this blog now several times, i have even stopped my day to make others read it.
I was thinking the other day of how hard it is not seeing my nieces and newphews grow up. I was also thinking about my parents and specail people that I would do anything to hug and cry in thier arms.
Funny, cause when i had that life,i never stole those opportunities to lean on others like i so long for now.
I really thank God for the internet that lets me keep in touch with others at least as much as writing can offer, and long for the day when this life is over and we can share for all of eternity.
By God's grace, there will be more numbers added to that bunch by choices that i make in the meanwhile.
Dennis, i think your a great dad. I am glad for you and Roxanne, i had an awesome time with you both in arizona last time. I think it is great what youare doing with young people.
Young people need to know that parents like you guys are really out there. You guys are a real blessing to me, more than you would have known.
Did i mention that i love your kids too.
And well sorry that your lose of dennae for this season means my gain, but i am soooooo happy to have her come.
There is this song by rita springer called "its going to be worth it"
I tell you, that is what carry's me through.
And this whole next season is going to be a "worth it all" season
Wow, Jill, it was so great to hear from you. I'm so glad to know that you are checking in with my blog. Please post every once in a while, so I know your there.
You know I have had people say to me: "How are you going to stand having Dennae away for four months in Africa, and what if she decides to stay longer?" My answer is: "Well, it is really hard and I will miss her terribly. Maybe she will decide to stay longer, but if she does what's the longest she could stay, maybe 50, 60, 70 years? What percentage of eternity is that?"
I pray God doesn't test me on that, but if it ends up that way, I have confidence that she will be willing to spend at least the first couple of hundred years in eternity with me catching up.
That is a great way to look at it! It doesn't make me miss her any less... but maybe someday soon, I'll be with her in Africa. :)
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