Our own Civil War

A couple, named Tim and Jen Fidanzo are coming with us. They made the decision (at least Tim did, Jen had months earlier) at a prayer meeting this past fall. While a friend of ours was praying over him, Tim got the vision of our dining room "chalk board," where we write down any thoughts or comments, or questions we have for our upcoming journey. He envisioned it, and the map of the United States that is taped to it, as tracks. Our friend was praying that Tim would know that God had already laid out the tracks, and that all he needed to do was to stoke the engine and fly ahead, not worrying about where the end lay. It was that vision that Tim heard God call him and Jen, and that calling was to join us in downward spiral.

Now, I like the Fidanzos a lot. They have a bunch of strong qualities, they love working with the poor, but most of all, they love Jesus. However, they are Duck fans. And in a season where the Ducks look poised to make a BCS run, they let everybody (especially OSU fans) know it. Not saying they weren't Duck fans last year when they went 7-6 and lost to OSU in the Civil War and got drummed by BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl (wouldn't have even made a bowl if it wasn't for the asterisk win vs. Oklahoma by the way).

I know God has planned this. Going alone, just isn't how God designs it. He calls us to do life together. When you are real with people and you take the time to really "live" with other people, it can get messy. Problems can arise, conflicts can grow, and frustrations can overwhelm. But this is how God designs it. Community is what God wants from us, not individualism. Individualism creates thoughts like "mine and theirs" and "us and them." Jesus never used that language. Living in loving community forces us to say words like "ours" and "we." In many ways you could argue that living in community is one more way we die to our selves and grow nearer to Christ. The early Church of Acts did:

All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:44-47

Going with Tim and Jen will allow us to refocus on God day by day, minute by minute. When Tim says some stupid comment about the 27 year losing streak or I talk about the four picks and 2 fumbles Harrington had in 2001, God is giving us an opportunity to humble ourselves, take a step back, see a much bigger picture and die to self by lifting another up in humility. Seriously, look at Matthew 19:30 - But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. Loving Christ really boils down to putting others in front of you (downward spiral).

In reality, Tim and I need each other. To be who Christ is calling us to be on this journey, we need conflict, so that we will have the opportunity to humble ourselves and put the other in front. Without community we would never learn this. Without iron and iron, we would never become sharp.

I have a feeling though, sometime in late November or early December, I will wear my orange and black and he will wear his green and pee yellow. :)