Trust and obey

There's an old hymn that I've been going over in my mind the last couple weeks and I can't seem to shake it:

Trust and obey
for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus
than to trust and obey

Ever heard it? I imagine that if you're like me and grew up in the C of C, you've heard it a hundred times. I must confess, I've never really been a fan of the tune. I don't know why, perhaps because it was too slow? I know that's a really stupid and childish reason not to like a song, but it's about all I can come up with. Anyway, I never really listened to the words, never requested it at the Sunday night sing alongs, and I always sighed loudly when someone else did.

Well, ever since the end of March, this song has been following me around. I heard a speaker on campus at Rez Week (a week long outreach event sponsored by a number of the Christian groups at UT). The speaker (Jason Ma) challenged us on obeying Jesus, giving our lives 100% to him and actually doing what he tells us to do, not worrying about the outcome. Not a new lesson, not a new idea, not a new sermon. A very good one, but one I (and perhaps you too) have heard a thousand times. And yet it was like I was hearing it for the first time.

Trust God and obey what He calls you to do, it's the only way to be happy. This is not sitting well with me these days. I don't often connect or think about my happiness having anything to do with my obedience to Christ; if anything, it's more likely the other way around --- I ask Christ to provide for me, help me, do what I ask --- and when He doesn't "come through", I am not happy.

And so this song has been playing in my head:

Trust and obey
for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus
than to trust and obey

3 years and counting...

Today Gabe turned 3 years old. Hard to believe but it's happened. Gabe, you are a blessing and a joy to us. We are constantly amazed at how much you learn, how precious and tender your heart is, and how kind and gentle you are with your sister and other friends, even when they don't respond inkind. I love you son, I'm so very proud of you, and I count it pure joy to be given the gift of being your Daddy!