Seth Caldwell's Blog
I'm at home soone to be at home / Jan 7, 09:22 AM
It is the night before i return to Philly and I am realizing that i am actually going home. Claire made us each a wonderful Photo album of the all the pictures we have taken from our neighborhood. As I looked through it for the first time felt like i had invested a bit of myself in southwest. I am so reminded that i am going home because of all the stuff i want to take back with me. Home is where you take the most stuff eh?
its weird to think that I do have so much stuff. I was reminded last week at a buffet that I have been given so much opportunity and have been surrounded by so many people who love me. I was with my friends from college and we all ate so much food and shared our stories and our lives with each other while being within earshot of many people of Huntington county who have not been given the same chance.
Yes I was back in the Midwest and I was away from the City, but I could see that it was no less hurting. Many people around us are hurting, and we forget because we see them everyday, and we don’t actually acknowledge them as people by asking them how they are, or by actually trying to get to know who they are.
A man at the buffet approached me with questions about life choices I had made and i felt scared to answer him. I saw that he wanted t prove himself better than a college student, and in many ways he was. He was more determined and harder working than i was. He was making tones of money working a factory job. He was a wonderful man, a loving Husband and nice enough to engage in a conversation with me. Why then was i so afraid?
I was afraid because i saw that loving my neighbor meant loving this man. I didn’t want to. But this is what Christ has called us to. It is so hard to engage in conversation with people when you don’t want to (I was eating at a buffet; I was not wanting to talk with locals). is it about what i want? This mane wanted someone to talk to, sure it was awkward at first, but only because I made it that way.
I won’t get too hung up on all the things I could have done to show greater love, but I Do want to remember that loving Christ and love people is a command that doesn’t hold up for comfort. Love all the time… even if its uncomfortable.
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I have enjoyed reading your blogs. Today your blog reminded me of how hard it is for me to talk to people I don’t know (I am very uncomfortable – no matter what the topic). I’m glad that you and the rest of your teammates (especially Rori) are learning to love people just as they are – which is something that takes most of us out of our comfort zones. I always wonder why I am so afraid, and it’s probably rejection or the fear of not saying the right thing – and that’s where we have to reach out to Jesus for him to give us the words to say and for the comfort of saying it. Keep reaching out and don’t forget why you are on this journey in the first place!!
By Kathy Gilvin (Rori's Mom) / Jan 7, 12:02 PM / #
Getting uncomfortable means taking risks. I am glad to take risks with you on the Journey. Love is so powerful.
By Matt / Jan 8, 10:02 AM / #
Hey Seth: I just now caught up with your blog. ( I am a little slow.—And, give me a break, it is 2:55 am in the morning right now. ) I wish for you continued good work in 2008 and many entries in the “w” column for your team.
I just made out a check for you to MissionYear. Hang in there, judy greeson
By Judy Greeson / Jan 12, 01:53 AM / #
Seth… your January update letter was beautiful. Thank you for your good words my friend. I am thankful for you and will continue to pray for you!
By Drewbie Tuesday / Jan 31, 11:13 AM / #