Seeing my purpose

B&W Street puddle, originally uploaded by cutjas.

Hey,

It has been another full week in The Hague. I went to a Delirious concert, enjoyed Sinterklaas, attempted to do some Christmas shopping, and was able to call home and hear how everyone is doing. Despite having a busy week, I was still able to play in my second SEV Football game, and scored my second goal in as many appearances. Needless to say I am having a lot of fun!!

I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks; I will be traveling a lot. First, this Sunday I am headed to Budapest, Hungary to see my friend Viktor. I will be there for 3 days, relaxing and spending time with a good friend. After that I am in The Hague for one day and then fly to Minnesota to spend Christmas with my family. It will be a crazy couple of weeks, but I am looking forward to seeing friends and family that I haven’t seen in a couple months. I can’t wait to take my sister’s dog Dakota to the dog park, go and get some good buffalo wings from Maxwell’s with a couple buddies, and have a good ole Swedish Christmas Dinner (no pressure mom).

In the middle of the week I went to see Delirious play here in The Hague. I haven’t seen Delirious in concert in a couple years and I had forgot, how much I like their shows. This sadly is their last tour, because they are breaking up and heading in new directions. The concert was entertaining and fun. There were some very moving parts when they spoke about their travels to Africa, India, and South East Asia. Hearing about how their “eye’s were opened” to some of the atrocities that are going on in our world and how they did/are responding to these as best they can. I was struck by their wisdom and intension to really think about how they can help people in these parts of the world.

The most powerful part was in the afternoon, during the Q & A time that Delirious had before the concert. For the most part this Q & A was quite boring, but one of the last questions asked to Martin Smith, The lead singer, was, “how do you lead worship, despite being tired and not wanting to do it.” Marting responded with a great answer, he said, “This is what I was put on this earth to do, how can I not do it?” Martin didn’t leave it at this, he qualified his answer with examples of how there are many time where he didn’t want to do a concert or something happened in life that would have taken his attention from leading. For me it was this simple answer of this is what I was put here to do.

I found this a powerful example, Martin knows what he is here to do and can cling to that. It is a powerful thing to know what you are put on earth to do. Whether you were put here to be in a band to make music, do accounting for an organization or a business, or run a food shelf. If you know what your role in life is, what your gifts are that you bring to this world. That is a powerful thing and it can help you to see through hard and difficult times. I remember a quote from Michael Jordan (MJ), he said, “One of my most peaceful time is when I am on the basketball court.” MJ gave many reasons for this, one of which is that this is what he was here to do. Compete, despite the fact that most people would crumble under the pressure of having to perform at the level he did, MJ thrived under the fact that this is what he was put here to do.

For me, it has been a journey to figure out what I am here to do…well more of struggle. I have know for a while what I am here to do, but didn’t want to acknowledge that. The last couple of months have been great, in the fact that I am doing what I am here to do. This doesn’t mean that I don’t have any questions, never waver, or am not freaked out about the future. What is does mean is that on those days I don’t want to get out of bed or feel as though I am accomplishing nothing. I can remember regardless of all that, all the externals, I was put here to do this and what else can I do other than what I am here to do? As I look ahead to what I am going to do next, I have found comfort that no matter where I end up I know what I am to do, lead.

I have been making friends here from all around the world, it has been a blast to one night hang out with a family from the Island of Curacao, then next talking with a couple from the Philippines, and finish it off with a call from my friend Rasmus in Stockholm. I have been learning a lot about different cultures and customs. One I learned was that in Curacao they have a dish called “cheese balls.” I was excited, because they were somewhat similar to “cheese curds,” but made with shredded cheese instead of a solid piece. I ate about 20 of these…yeah it was awesome!!

Thanks for all you encouragement and prayers,
Jason

Prayer requests:
Health – I am finally getting over being sick. I am a little worried that all the travel will take its toll on me, but pray I will be wise and get enough rest to sustain my health.
Sweden – I am having very good discussions with Kevin Johnson about next steps in life. The conversations have taken a turn into some deep areas of life. Pray that God will lead us in these areas to tackle some hard issues regarding my life and where its going.
Christmas Gala – Our Christmas Gala is coming together in a very smooth way. We have had a great response from people and all the details seem to be falling into place. Pray that it is a great party!!
Leading – I am in leadership in several areas now. Pray that God will protect me from any attacks and from myself. Pray that I will use wisdom and discernment in my life and leading. I am loving all that is happening right now and want to cover my bases when it comes to spiritual things.
Home – I am very excited to go home and see family, pray that it will be a good time with family and friends. A peaceful and encouraging time.