while i don't share your enthusiasm...

most of the things that come out of my mouth originated in a movie.  i don't know why this is.  i don't know why i remember these useless things.  but, for some reason, most of what i see, do, and/or hear reminds me of a line from a movie (or an episode of friends, but we'll save that for another post).

the most recent of these moments came from the movie armageddon.  you know, the one where ben affleck and bruce willis go into outer space.  the scene that came to mind takes place when the guys first learn about the asteroid and what NASA is asking them to do.  owen wilson's character, oscar, is excited, saying that this is history and of course he is in.  steve buscemi's character, rockhound, responds with this...

"while I don't share his enthusiasm, you know me.  beam me up, scotty!"

at the beginning of this year, after months and months of talking about it, my friends and i started a bible study.  the purpose of this group is to not only study the bible together, but to live life...together.  even before the group started, we had talked about wanting to serve people.  we want to find ways to reach out and help those around us.  we want to meet needs, love people, and use our lives to point towards Jesus. 

this past monday we sat and talked about all of the things we want to do and then we put a plan in place to get started.  next week will be our first service project.  the entire room responded with excitement.  my response was much like rockhound's...while i don't share your enthusiasm.

honestly, some of the things we have planned scare me to death.  it's not scary stuff, it's just outside of my comfort zone and that is scary.  my friend tim wisely said something to the affect of, "if it scares you then i think that means you need to do it."  and...i agree...100%.  i know that the things that stretch me are also the things that bring the most growth.  i also know that the projects we have planned are good and right.  that doesn't necessarily make them less scary.

but, like rockhound i'm saying, "beam me up!"  i'm.  all.  in.

there is another scene in the movie when they're getting ready to take off into space and oscar is rambling incessantly.  i can completely relate to oscar in this moment...

"great, i got that excited/scared feeling.  like 98% excited, 2% scared.  or maybe it's more - it could be two - it could be 98% scared, 2% excited."

"Jumping off the cliff is how you feel God's hand underneath you." - Anonymous