On the shuttle bus moments ago, from the hotel in Edmondton to the airport, a five year-old in pink shoes, pink jacket, pink hat asked, “Do you know what I want to be when I grow up?
“We just met,” I said,” I have no idea what you want to be when you grow up. But I want to.”
“I want to be a dentist…astronaut,” she said.
And what is there to say in response but “Wow, a dentist astronaut!”
“Yes,” she said, pride sitting her up a little straighter in her seat.
“Why an astronaut?” I asked.
“Weeeell,” she explained, “I get to fly…to the sun…and the stars and I love love love space.”
“And why a dentist?” I asked.
“Weeeell,” she explained, “there aren’t many people in space these days so I won’t have to work very much if I’m a dentist.”
“So do you think you could be an astronaut for your job?” I asked. “Like, does someone pay astronauts or do astronauts have to have some other job too so they can buy food and clothes and stuff?”
“Astronauting is fun,” she said. “So you don’t get money to astronaut.”
Oh, some of us make ends meet astronauting. I hope you do. I hope there’s some flight in your day – even if your day is called “work.” Soar.
Speaking of which…
My friend Ann is heading to Haiti with Compassion International in a few days. (Pray for her, will you?) So she’s taking a break from the internet to be with family, pack, prepare. And while she’s away she’s turned the farm over to friends. She wrote and asked each of us to share something that would “point people to Jesus” this week while she’s preparing to meet Him (again and again) in Haiti.
And so, a familiar post to my regular readers is up at Ann’s place today, with new pictures and video. To help you “soar” as Ann put it.
Please read – not only my post – but Ann’s blog. Every day. Subscribe to it by e-mail (on her site, halfway down, on the right) and get daily inspiration delivered to you with the occasional free gift too.
And if you haven’t yet read Ann’s book One Thousand Gifts: A Dare To Be Fully Alive, you’re missing the most beautifully written book I’ve ever set eyes on, and powerful insight and inspiration for fuller living. Get it today.
I’ve got a flight to board. If I haven’t told you lately? Thank you for giving me a good life of doing what I love.
Katie Axelson says:
By that definition, I’m an astronaut! I even get paid to do it.
Katie
Sarah aka MainlineMom says:
Oh Haiti. So happy to hear this, I do love Ann and Compassion and especially Haiti, where my heart and my future adopted daughter live. I hope to get there later this year as well.
Jessica says:
Bless you all! I’ll definitely be praying!
I remember when I was headed out for a one year term to Honduras, my prayer was “Help me be Jesus’ hands and feet for the broken ones! ..where I can bless best n be blessed best.” He gave so much grace and blessed much where I felt like the latter was more accurate ..to also fix my own broken vessel! God is so Good!!!
It’s awesome to see Him do work in your lives (and mine) where all that look on can see the life of Jesus flowing out of your words, thoughts, actions, and experiences! HE IS ALIVE!
We can be blessed by each other while we trust n learn this ‘faith walk’ together hand in hand with the creator of our souls and with one another as well! Take nothing for granted!!! God is so good!
God keep you and shine His face upon you and give you peace! …safe travels!
Because of Him,
Your sister ~Jessica
Robin Dance says:
“Let the little children come…”
You’re good at that, Shaun…so good. The way you share a story AND Jesus always points back to Him.
And Ann? SHE shares stories and Jesus that same way, only different.
Love you both :).
Jerry says:
Thank you Shawn. The world is a better place because people like you and Ann exist. I am reading One Thousand Gifts in little bites. I quoted her today in my post.
Bethany says:
Ohh, Haiti… a part of us is down there, right now, waiting for us to bring her home… and we don’t know who she is yet, but we pray for her everyday.
Pray for adoptions in Haiti… things are rapidly changing, and our hearts are invested!
Blessings to the Compassion Haiti team! We’ll be praying for them too!Thanks for your beautiful words, Shaun.
Kris says:
This made me smile. And weep. Dang it, Shaun. 😉 praying for sweet Ann and her boy, for the people of Haiti, for yo as you soar doing what you love. God is rediculously good.
Kris says:
*you* not yo. ;P
[email protected] says:
Your message at Ann’s made my heart soar. God bless you, Mr. Shaun Groves. You soar for Him — like a very vivid kite for our King.