A Lesson in Expensive Perfume

I love all that God is teaching me as we journey to Sacred Road.  It is an amazing ride.  He continues to confirm in my heart that what we are doing (crazy as it may seem) is what He is calling us to do.  I get excited about what is ahead.  Yes, some days I have my fears and freak out moments, but then when I look to Him (and get my eyes off of myself and this world), He gives me peace and calms my heart.  And He throws a ton of encouragement my way! 

Last week I studied Matthew 26 when Mary (the sister of Martha and Lazarus) spent her money to buy the most fragrant and expensive perfume to pour on Jesus' head and feet.  The perfume was a year's worth of wages.  Our BSF teacher asked, "would you spend a years wages on Jesus?"  I was so challenged as I saw Mary giving everything she had to Jesus.  During the lecture, I wrote down this quote, "Extravagance is not too much when it has to do with giving it to Jesus."  

I love the discussions in my BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) group as well.  As we discussed Mary pouring this perfume on Jesus, one lady in my group reminded us, "We don't always see things as Jesus does."  Jesus said Mary had done a beautiful thing.  But even the disciples were concerned this money could have been better spent.  Some might wonder if our family could spend our time and effort in a different way rather than going to the Reservation.  But Jesus sees things differently. 

I feel Him leading us.  He is pulling me away from this world I am in.  It's a strange feeling, but peaceful at the same time.  This morning Emily and I chatted about it on the way to school.  She said it feels like one foot is on the Reservation and one foot is in our world here.  I look around and I know the time is nearing for us to leave.  I can feel it.  I want to be there.  I want to use the gifts He has given us.  He has been preparing us for a long time - even though we didn't know it.  I want to pull out the old Awana songs and figure out which ones I might be able to teach.  I want to hug a child who hasn't been loved.  I want to look into their eyes and love them as Christ loved me.  They are dirty just as I was.  I want to be like Mary and pour out the aroma of Christ on the Reservation.