On Duty:

~(Saving Lives)~

1 Tim. 4:16; Col. 4:5-6; Jas. 1:21; 5:19-20

I know most of my readers have been waiting a very long time for me to post another blog. Well, here is your wish. It has indeed been a long time, but I have quantifiable reasons as to why this is delayed. The first, as some could guess after looking at the picture, is that I got my old job back at the YMCA lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons. I’m more than thankful to have a job right now, especially since many people do not. For some reason, God has me here, not by my choice, but because He must have something for me here. After working for over a month already, things at work have started to strain a little, but I keep working for Jesus rather than people. I hope and pray constantly that my work ethic would emanate Christ in me to my coworkers and patrons. Now onto the actual title of this blog, saving lives…

My reason for titling this blog post “On Duty: Saving Lives” is not only because that is what I do for work, but because it is a Christian calling. When certified with CPR/AED, First Aid, and Lifeguarding, we sign the paper with the responsibility to respond in emergency situations whenever present. This means we are always “on duty,” whether or not we earn a paycheck for what we do, or receive praise. It is the same with a Christian life. We are responsible for helping those we come into contact with that need help, whether or not we are “having a bad day” or think the person is beyond saving. It is my responsibility to do everything I possibly can to save a person’s life (although Jesus is really the one doing the saving; I’m just being responsible with my calling to bring Jesus to the lost and dying), not make the call if they are dead or worth saving. I wake up each day knowing I am now on-call and on-duty wherever I am. Since those without Jesus are in need of being saved, I make the effort to bring the Gospel to them through word and deed; for those in distress, I offer a helping hand; for people who need someone to listen to their problems, I offer an attentive ear; and if I don’t know the answer, I send them to someone higher. The parallels between my work and my faith have been incredibly poignant and profound. The time I’m given on the stand during the slow hours at work provide me a surplus of time to think about what God wants to do in and through me.

Recently, it’s been laid heavily on my heart to witness to my coworkers. I keep praying every day that God would present the opportunities, and that I would be faithful with the ones that I’m given. There are often many actions and words that directly defy and trample on the authority of God in the workplace. Who is going to be that light? If I don’t do it, who else will? For my Christian friends reading this blog, please pray that as I have taken many opportunities to witness to my coworkers, their ears and hearts would be opened to the Truth.

So many other things have been going on as well. Since being back from Malaysia, I have desperately missed curry and spice in my food. American food does not compare. I also don’t have much time to spend talking to people online, as most of you have noticed. I try to take messages and emails as quickly as possible—which may at times be up to a month. (I’m so sorry to those who have had to wait that long! You know who you are.) For other news, I exercise every day to keep in shape and do better at my job. That includes swimming 2000 yards, jogging 1.5 miles, and whatever else I have time for that day. If you want to know why else I am putting my body under so much strain… You’ll have to wait for the next post to find out! =P God bless and hope to hear from you all soon. Much love!