Why?

Sometimes they ask me, "Why do you come here?"

I never know quite how to answer. It's a pretty loaded question, really.

For one, God tells me to go there.

We recently studied James in my New Testament class. I want to embrace everything James says, because I think it's so beautiful and so life-giving. But I also want to run, because I realize that my life will never measure up to the standard to which we've been called. I've committed to try and embrace it though. I certainly do it clumsily most days, but I'm at least learning to show up.

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works?" James 2:14

But more than going there in order to be obedient, I go because I think there is life for both me and the kids I meet.

"Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?" James 2:5

I think a blessing resides among those that the world considers least, so I go in hopes that those kids and I can both experience Life. I think we have a lot to learn from one another. I trust that God uses me in their lives, and I know that God uses them in mine.

My answer to their question is different every time, but it always rooted in my conviction that God loves us fiercely.

Some days I, too, wonder why I go. But every time I leave I remember that beyond all the brokenness, it's a beautiful place, a place full of Hope.