The “Would You Rather” game brings back pretty fond memories of our Swaziland trips in the past. We would spend many, many hours on a kombi (passenger van in SiSwati), and that would lead to silliness. We’d use the game cards, but then Pastor Justin and Stephen would get creative and throw in some sort of “would you rather... or wake up with your head sewn to the carpet.” The “Would You Rather” game is really fun, and gets you thinking -- but its premise is basically that you need to choose the lesser of two unfortunate, terrible circumstances that you would dread living out.
I hadn’t thought much of the game lately; that is, until our dear Hannah Johnson posted on my Facebook Wall this week about the KS95 (a radio station in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area) “Would You Rather Question of the Day.” It was this:
Would you rather wake up and live as the opposite sex for the rest of your life, or leave everything (family, friends, house, etc.) and live in Africa for the rest of your life?
Wow... then it hit me. We are in Africa. We sold everything, left everything as we knew it, and moved to Africa. There is a sweet, sweet make (mah-gay) whom we see often around our guest flat -- her name is Make Rosie. She asked out of the blue today how long we’ll be in Africa, and I laughed and said, “Make, do you see those 23 suitcases in our bedroom? That is all we have... we sold EVERYTHING. And so, we will be here in Africa until God directs us elsewhere. We are here for Him.”
But the thing is... it brings tears to my eyes when I think about a move to Africa being a “would you rather” and an unfortunate circumstance. Sure, Africa isn’t for everyone, but it is for us, and the journey is beautiful. We’ve quickly learned that when we’re obedient to God, amazing things can happen. There will be bumps (and huge Swazi potholes, literally and figuratively!) in the road, but we trust in Him.
I read this today in “Jesus Calling” (if you are looking for an amazing devotional, check into this one -- it’s on Amazon, and oh how we miss Amazon!):
REST IN MY PRESENCE, allowing Me to take charge of this day. Do not bolt into the day like a racehorse suddenly released. Instead, walk purposefully with Me, letting Me direct your course one step at a time. Thank Me for each blessing along the way; this brings Joy to both you and Me. A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking. Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance I shower upon you daily. Your prayers and petitions are winged into heaven’s throne room when they are permeated with thanksgiving. In everything give thanks; for this is My will for you. (Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB))
We give HUGE thanks for Africa. This is His will for us. Thank you, God.
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