On March 20th we will begin our class called “Simple Living”. For 13 days we will be challenged with some inconveniences that come along with living in a remote location. By 9:00 P.M. every evening we are required to turn off all our lights and use only battery-operated devices or the good old way of candle light. We cannot use any appliances with the exception of our cooking stove and refrigerator. Yes, that means no coffee pot, microwave, hair dryer, etc. Also, our internet access and telephone use is limited to 1 hour each, per week. No more movies and your favorite iTunes playlist. And just when you think it couldn’t get any worse! Well, it does . . . during this time all of our meals are to be cooked from scratch. No more canned soups, Totinos, Top Ramen, and Kraft Mac n’ Cheese. It’s time to put on my “Betty Crocker” apron and get a little dirty!
As we are gearing up for this class to start we are reminded that serving the Lord comes with a cost. A cost much greater than no more Totinos and more work in the kitchen! It costs us our WHOLE LIVES! Literally some people have given their very life in order to serve the Lord. Christ is the one who considered the ultimate cost! He humbled himself to the lowest point and gave His life as a ransom for ALL people, and not even “good” people, but sinners! As I am reminded of this truth, I am challenged to consider the cost. The cost of saying good-bye to our family, going to a malaria infested environment, and leaving all that is familiar to a place where everything is unfamiliar. The cost of hard physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional work. Yes, I have considered the cost, and yes I am willing to pay that. Why? Because He did the same for me.