Holy Restlessness

Tonight we got ice cream and took the long way around the block back home so we could pass by the view of the city. In case my Twitter and Facebook friends have forgotten the scenery in my new hood, this is the view I’m talking about:

A stroll down Grandview Ave. will almost certainly be filled with one or more couples taking touristy pictures of each other in front of the city scape (tonight I actually saw two couples who did the ol’ “we’ll take one of you if you take one of us” exchange—classic). I still get a smile on my face each time I look over the railing and see the city I've grown to love. But Emily, Tayler, and I commented while walking home how ironic it is that the place others consider a rare photo op is just home to us now. It's usual and familiar.

We also had a conversation earlier in the day about fulfillment and longing to do work that matters and lasts. Each of us desires to be used effectively in the capacity that God created us for.

Sitting here full of waffle cone and fro-yo, I'm making the connection. Contentment is to be sought after. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). But I don’t ever want to be too content. I will seek contentment in my circumstances—whatever they may be—but not contentment in what I've accomplished for Christ. There will always be more to learn. More to serve. More to share. More to do. Not because our salvation depends on it, but because His redeeming Love makes me want to go places. I hope there’s no such thing as “arriving” until we arrive in Heaven.

I have a feeling, and the only way I can describe it is Holy restlessness—I don’t want to lose that. I don't ever want to stop being a tourist—even in my own city. I don't ever want the view to become trite. Because as long as Christ is my life, He will compel me.

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord…the hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now then when we first believed.” (Romans 12:11, 13:11)