Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The Call

    Over the next weeks, I watched Luke transform in front of my eyes.
Where once stood a rough-around-the-edges construction worker, I
now found a softened gentleman. Where turmoil had churned, peace
now reigned. A thirst for the world was replaced by an unquenchable
longing to drink up every bit of the Word that he'd neglected for the
past years.
    I'm in no way suggesting that a called minister is on a plane
above any other Christian, but what I will say is that even in my own
spiritually immature state, what I saw happening in Luke seemed to
be so much more fervent than what I saw in other men. And as for
my own walk, Luke's desire made me long for more. If I can be so
biased, Luke was special an opinion I still hold.
    And God was saying, "Ya think?" while restraining Himself from
knocking our foolish heads together.
    Luke hesitated contacting the school to request information
because he had no hopes of getting in. What I've not yet told you
is that he didn't graduate high school. What dropout had any kind
of chance to go to college? He finally mustered the nerve to call,
and we scheduled a visit. We still didn't know for what. Both of us
realized we wouldn't be able to go right away but thought maybe the
school could give some pointers on what Luke could do to become
a student someday.
    We traveled to the college and were in love at first sight. The
campus was set in the mountains and was absolute lush, peaceful
perfection. Arriving there felt like coming home, which at the time
was heartbreaking because we knew this place couldn't possibly be in
our near future.
    The following day we met the director of admissions, Jay. He was
and remains one of the most boisterous, joyful, encouraging people
we have ever known. Luke explained his full situation particularly
the part about not having a diploma. Luke expected to hear, "Sorry,
son, but you don't belong here. Come back in a year or two when
you are good enough." Instead Jay chuckled and said, "No problem!"
    No problem? How is not having a high school diploma not a
problem?
    Brother Jay enthusiastically went on to explain there was a special
program in this college for men who did not have a high school
degree. They would take regular college courses and also be tutored
for high school in the freshman year. Students had two semesters to
pass the GED, at which point they would have official student status
and all classes would count toward a fully accredited degree.
    And just like that, there was Neon Sign Three, and it blinked
wildly, ''Road Open!"
    Our patient, gracious God gave us three signs in an overwhelming
answer to our many prayers and they all pointed toward our
new home. (One of the homes AI built, no less!)

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