So, I show up at church to pick up my daughter last Wednesday, and am accosted by Branden, the High School Pastor.
Branden: Hey Dale - on our upcoming trip to Uganda, we plan to do some dramas. I know that you mentioned that this was a neglected area of HSM, so you're the first one I thought of. Would you be willing to pray about helping us develop some sketches, etc. and - Holy Spirit willing - maybe join us on the trip?
Dale’s Mouth: Yeah, okay. I'll pray.
Dale’s Head: I'm 49 years old, and have successfully avoided going on any mission trips for the entire 26 years of my Christian life. Sure. I'll pray. Don't getcher hopes up too high, Pal.
So I'm sitting in the Fellowship Center on Sunday, and the "Chasing Daylight" campaign gets mentioned. That, of course, sets off a whole 'nother mind pattern. See, I had some significant issues with the campaign. I much prefer the simpler, more straightforward message that came from Steven Curtis Chapman in "The Great Adventure".
"Saddle up your horses, we got a trail to blaze
Through the wild blue yonder, of God's amazing grace!
We'll follow our Leader into the glorious unknown
This is a life like no other, whoa! this is The Great Adventure!"
As a matter of fact, that song has been our family’s “theme song” for about 12 years now. So this argument starts up in my head.
Dale’s Heart: So, do you really believe that? You’ve claimed The Great Adventure, the glorious unknown, for several years now. Shoot, you named your company after it. But do you really believe it?
Dale’s Head: Sure I do, but this is different. This isn’t unknown. This is heading off to some strange 3rd world country. Been there, done that, Dude. Remember that brutal series of trips to Mexico City back in 01? Do you really want to go through THAT again?
Dale’s Heart: Excuses – Gee, how did I know those would be coming? Those were business trips, and you ventured in there all alone. You weren’t there to minister for Christ, you were there to implement software. The question is still hanging there, Bucko - do you really believe it?.
Dale’s Head: Ah, c’mon Man!
Dale’s Mouth (to wife): This seat is killing me. I’m going to stand up.
Dale’s Feet, after a few minutes, start moving across the room towards Branden.
Dale’s Head: Hey! Heyheyheyheyhey! What are you doing?! Where do you think you’re going?! Stop it! Who’s in charge here anyway? Stop I say! STOP!
Dale’s Mouth (having a hard time maintaining composure): Hey Man. I’m terrified, but I’m in. (Branden administers a hug) I’m being dragged kicking and screaming, but I’m in.
Branden: I think that’s the way it has to be.
Dale’s Mouth: I’m 49 years old and have never done anything like this.
Branden: Neither have I, so we’re in this together!
Dale’s Head: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dale’s Heart: Yessss! Here we go folks. THIS is The Great Adventure! ‘Bout bloomin time we stepped out!
