Dream big. Work hard. Sacrifice. Be excellent. And then give it away! (HT: Joe Adams)

I love everything that I have ever read or seen by Carolyn McCulley and this video is no exception:

If you have ever wondered why you are doing some “small ministry” in your daily life; or why you are working hard in secret; or whether any of it ever really matters, watch this video and be encouraged.

It reminded me so much of a man I respect and value deeply, Joe Adams of Southside Fellowship. He is the only reason why Living the Gospel in Relationships actually exists. Like the hero in this video, he too is a tech geek, he has a passion for serving God’s people, and he is brilliant and excellent at everything he does. Plus, he was willing to work hard–hundreds and hundreds of hours hard–for no pay and no glory, at least not in this life.
 
This doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate the importance of paying people for their labors–I do! A worker is due his or her wages. (And I do dream about the day when I might have the ability to surprise Joe with a giant thank you check!) But I know that’s not what he wants. He’s pleased as punch to have gotten to serve. That’s the kind of man he is (and the kind of woman his wife is, I might add—Hi, Rachelle!). And the truth is, sometimes, in certain situations, we get to pour ourselves out and leave it all on the mat and just serve. Give our very very best and then give it all away. It’s wonderfully exhausting, but also truly blessed, to live this way.

I’m so grateful for Joe. And my dear husband, Fred (who is the only other reason why the video series exists). And also for Carolyn McCulley and Citygate films.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21 ESV