Today, I don’t know if this is the last blog I’ll get to write (similar to my dad telling us every year that this will be his last Christmas…joking of course…though he never says he is). This morning I opened my eyes (and besides thinking about Harry Potter, the movie I saw last night) God gave me a sense of elation. I have counted down the days until Thanksgiving break with the reverence of a true college student but this morning Heaven popped into my mind and peals of excitement ran through be-I am one day closer to an everlasting place of bliss and celebration.
I agree with John Ortberg, who writes, “The Life You’ve Always Wanted,” we all need to celebrate more often. Ortberg views it as a spiritual discipline. First, he comically describes the Los Angeles marathon-at the start line, besides that stallion-like anticipation we runners get, that quivering anticipation of the pain about to ravish our bodies, there is this “one guy in full 
circus makeup…’T-bone the clown'” and many other LA characters that crept in, including a chain of a human centipede. They are wee little Red Ridinghoods, oblivious to the pain ahead.
During our race towards Heaven, we are promised a finish line “Not that I have already obtained all this (the resurrection from the dead, a complete faith, become fully like Jesus), or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me…one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize…and we eagerly await a savior…the Lord Jesus Christ…who will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:12-21.
See, we press on each day-this is not fake-the day we put our faith in Jesus…he the “Author” and “Perfecter” of o
ur faith…we continually walk further away from the man or women we were yesterday…and strain through trials…to “get there,” to that glorious golden finish-line and bring as many people with us, under the forgiveness and continual aid of Jesus Christ and his Holy Spirit. Celebrate with me today those trials, those mini-hills I climbed and have reached the top, to come closer to the continual beckon of Jesus, my coach, my strength, my gold medal.
#1 August 6th I arrive in Nicaragua (to lead a missions trip) and realize my luggage is lost by TACA Airlines and virtually no one had done their job to prepare ministries for the 15 people who would arrive in 24 hours.
August 15th Everything is swaying in my head, I am about ready to pass out, but through the awesome team that came, equipment given to me by God each day, the willingness of a past team to pass on their ministry schedule, and many helpers God gives me, the trip is an overwhelming display of God’s power and grace and 15 Americans return home after being used by God every day (which, includes lending me clothes and toothpaste each day).
November 18th A Spanish accent tells me over the phone, “Mr. Caht-ere, we hahve your bag, it weiill be in Vermont tomorrow night.” To this I shout, “Praise God!” My mom worries the consequences of having dirty socks in a confined space for so long.
August 2010 Before the ministry even starts, one by one each member informs me God has given them a different direction in ministry and they will not be returning to the Dayton Gospel Mission ministry. I am all alone.
August 21st I am promised an extravagant table at the ministry fair to advertise my ministry so I come and amidst colorful, candyfull, entertaining, adventurous tables, sits my table…white, blank and empty. The only thing I have is a useless stack of flyers and my smile. After two hours 5 people out of 3,000 students sign up to hear more information. None later reply to any e-mails.
November 2010 After dragging friends 30 minutes to my church (I needed a ride) and hanging on (barely) to God’s call on my heart…God brings a cool rush of loving, excited college friends, and six students sign up and show their commitment through their passion during the ministry! We meet for prayer and praise during the week and serve the homeless and the church in any way on Sundays!
#3 August 15-20th I cry out to God for answers to my major choice as teacher: #1 My focus is in math and I don’t really like math, #2 my other focus is in English and I make fun of people who read a lot and #3 my mom is the teacher of the century and I feel hopeless of ever relating to my students as she does. He gives me a peace so I start the semester desperately hanging on to this.
Late September 2010 I am informed I need to have all these complex essays, forms, recommendations, and my right front tooth handed in so I can get into the next phase of the teaching program in the Spring-the teachers review these, examine the tooth and it’s durability, smell and appeal, and vote to see if the applicant will move on in the program.
October 2010 I jump through hoops and rip my tooth out and hand in the whole kit-and-caboodle. Later in the week, a white livered, panicked secretary informs me that a miracle has happened: she lost my folder. It is nowhere to be found…and a chain of teachers are feverently praying they will find it.
November 2010 A month has passed and I reflect on my decision to enter the teaching field. Maybe this is a brick wall-God if you want me to move on, get me through. The secretary apologizes and apologizes and is embarrassed to say she is still looking.
November 19th Email arrives-numberless days have passed in uneasiness–“Hi Joe,I found your CCS! Thank the Lord! I now will give it to Dr. Heaton to evaluate.” Yes, this arrived yesterday.
These are a few of many minitrials I have endured during my race with Jesus Christ. In all, through the riches of his grace and mercy, God has blessed me over and over. I now have twice as many clothes as when I did in early August, a better team for ministry than I dreamed, twice as much hope in my future occupation through numerous encouragers, and many other blessings that I will spare the mention of. There are other awful trials I am currently walking through with my family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ and who knows, maybe God will turn these into joyful down hills some day. But today, I call you to celebrate the mini-victories in this grueling marathon in the sun, in the son’s arms. Like Paul often says, May God bless you out of the richness of his mercy and grace, not out of how sparkle plenty you are, but of out of his great character of love for his creation.
Love Joe Carter.
Bro-Joe! What a great ‘read’! Praising God for your trials all perfectly placed and in your dedication to His Word in working through those struggles!
Joe- you always manage to make me smile. When we realize how rich His mercy is, how infinite His grace, we should be ready to party at a moment’s notice-even in trying circumstances.
We picked up the luggage-but neither your paw or your maw dare to open it-we’ll leave the honors to you.
So, you’ll be all dapper-doo with your news clothes-and someday we’ll all get “new uniforms” when we cross that finish line!
Moms
Proud of you man of God! I love the way you dive headfirst into uncertainty. Keep going strong.