When I began this blog I was a carpenter moving to Albania to be a missionary. Now I am a carpenter again. My future, like everyone’s future, is under construction with every breath. Today I sent an email to a missionary in Thessaloniki whom I would like to apprentice under. I tried to outline my idea for service under him succinctly. That said, I am quite nervous to hear his response. I am trying to imagine how I might respond to the opening volley of communication from a stranger in the States; an unknown entity asking for time, guidance, and energy, all of which are dear and even more dear to missionaries while they are abroad.
Before putting a chalk line on the floor, a carpenter must first make two crow’s feet with his pencil; one at either end. I have placed my crow’s foot here in an email. I am waiting for my efforts to be mirrored by a man I have never met who has no reason to believe I am sincere, or dependable, honest, or motivated. If he will offer a deep mark at his end of the floor, I can begin walking out the long, red-dust saturated braid between us. Then it will be for God to pull it tight, the Holy Spirit to clear its path, and Jesus to give the thin rope a snap.
Until then, I am a man who’s saw is powered, with a sharp blade, looking for a swath to open in a smooth ripping of my fibrous reality. Open the door God, this is your son knocking.
albaniacalling 