From Charlie Gray

Have you ever taken a trip or vacation and returned home with more than you left with. There are always souvenirs and purchases made that must be stuffed in our suitcases as we prepare to return home. On long vacations, we have adopted the habit of shipping our worn clothing home to yes … make room for the new stuff. That strategy has worked well for us so far when our travel is by plane.

The garbage collection provider we have in Pawleys Island does not provide a recycling option. We have that option back home and our recycle container always fills before the regular trash. Donna has a huge problem with not being able to recycle but she is not defeated. What does she do ? She brings all the recycling home from Pawleys Island to Raleigh. Yes, our car is full of trash in what is already a loaded cargo area. Not very convenient to say the least.

Fact is, many things in life are not convenient. Jesus expects us as His disciples to do things and act in ways that don’t necessarily fit our worldly desires. Consider for example, how much energy it takes to love your enemies. Think about it for a moment, the important things in life can many times be the toughest and require the most effort. I do commend Donna for her efforts to save our environment but what impresses ( and yes aggravates ) me most is her commitment to her beliefs even when it’s not easy or convenient.

Scripture encourages followers of Jesus to be committed to their faith even when it is challenging. James 1:2 directs each of us to "call it joy, when you meet trials for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Be steadfast in your faith even when your garbage vendor does not offer recycling.