Why Japan?

            I figure I should write something more real about Japan, something to explain my wanting to spend an entire year over there without a typical job. Something to explain me quitting my job here and moving back home to raise money in order to go. (Sorry--It got a little long!)

And where else can I start but with this: I love Japan!

I can’t really hide it, I am biased. But Japan, the nature and the people, I love it all.

Let’s start with the land itself. From Mount Fuji rising tall and powerful over everything all year long, to the vivid pink leaves flowing softly down from the branches of cherry blossom trees in the spring. From the snow covering everything up in the cold of Hokkaido up north, to the beautiful beaches and sunshine on the southern island of Okinawa. From the evergreen trees covering the numerous mountains across the land, to fields of flowers here and there down below.  I love every aspect of it, and have cherished the different times I've gotten to spend out in it.

Then there are the people. Generally, Japanese people are kind, quiet, and reserved. The young respect the old, and the old are kind to the young, and a elementary school child can go to school by themselves on the public train without fear. While most Japanese are silent and will not talk to strangers, once approached, many of them are quite friendly and helpful—never fear to ask for help in Japan, most people will go out of their way to assist you. So awesome!

So why do I go to Japan? Is it because it’s such a nice place to live? Is it because I’m comfortable there? Is it because the people are easy to get along with? Maybe that's all a part of it, but it’s more than that.

The real reason I go is because I've lived there and I've experienced the parts of it that aren't so great. I've felt the way you can be squashed in a mass of people on a train, and still feel so terribly alone. I know what it’s like to work so hard to succeed and at the end of the day wonder why it matters, and if it will ever pay off. And, I've been on several trains that had to stop because it hit “something” that had jumped in front of it, and realized I was more frustrated to have lost minutes of my time rather than feel any sorrow over that “something” that just ended his or her own life.

That loss of purpose and meaning is a feeling that is very common in Japan. People work hard and do their best to succeed to please family, friends, and maybe even themselves. And so as long as things are going well, life seems good and enjoyable. But once they fail, and if they can’t keep up the lifestyle that they had built around themselves, everything comes crashing down. They often feel empty, because their whole life was built up around material things and comfortable relations that don't last.

But I found someone who never fails. I found someone who stays by me and brings me joy even when my friends have all left me. I found someone that gives me purpose for everyday regardless of how well I do or if I succeed or fail. I found someone that cries when a life is lost, even though no one else seems to care. He’s broken through my hard heart, and He’s waiting for the right time to break through the hard hearts of the Japanese people.

I don’t know what I can do this year. I don’t know how much I will accomplish. But the Japanese people are looking for truth. They’re looking for hope. They’re looking for joy. They’re looking for something more than just the latest fashion trend or newest hit music group, because they've realized it’s not enough and will never be enough.

So I’m going to Japan because I know Jesus. I know what He’s done in my life; how He’s filled my lonely moments with comfort, how He’s brought joy in the midst of sorrow, how He’s brought peace in moments of anger and worry, and how He loves me always.

I’m going to Japan because I love Jesus, and I love Japan, and I want the Japanese to also have the chance to be loved by Jesus and to love Him.

One Step

First I must begin, then in beginning I find another step. In that step lies the next, and so it becomes easier. 

But it’s the first step isn’t it? That’s the trick.

Am I willing to risk that first step?

Am I willing to risk the fall, risk the ridicule, risk the incredulous looks and disbelieving stares?

If it were to all crash apart and fall tumbling down in a cacophony of wailing and despair, if my heart were to be crushed and my body and soul broken down, if I lost everything I own except my skin and my heart, would I still take that step?

Would I take the leap if I could see ahead and witness the toil and work that I must bear?
Would I take the step if I knew how my heart would be cut and scarred?
Would I still choose “yes” if I knew how many times I would be forced to say “no”?

So, here I stand, still unsure. Still weighing the cost. But I must make a choice. Soon.

My heart rate speeds up as my decision comes closer. My breathing quickens, my palms become sweaty, and my stomach flips.

Here I stand, in fear and trembling, knees knocking as I hear the clock ticking each second away.

I worry over everything, every possible scenario plays out in my mind, and I see a thousand different ways my life could end up in a miserable place.

I can’t take it! I can’t stand it! How I wish I knew everything—that I could see ahead and choose my path based on what I see. How I wish I knew I was making the right choice. How I wish I knew I would survive the leap.

Then I remember.

Haha! I remember!

My God! You are FOR ME! You are filled with love for me! The Creator of All Things finds joy and worth in me! You bled and died so you could be with me! God of all things became a man of suffering just so I could be brought back into His arms. Amazing grace.

And now suddenly every decision boils down to one. Will I trust you?

YES! Lord YES! I trust you—help me trust you better!

Whatever may come, whatever befalls, if you are my all, then I am victorious in it all. For my victory lies in You, and you are in me, so where is death’s sting? What can stop my joy? I already have it all!

I may be broken and bruised, my body and soul torn and tattered. I may bear terrible burdens and face disheartening odds. The world itself may turn against me! Yet still I am sure of this—Lord, you love me. So what does the rest matter?

Why worry about every other thing. I have my treasure.

So this step that had my knees knocking and my stomach in knots now looks like what it is. A step.

And here I go…