Luke 17:10

So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” 

Luke 17:10 (ESV)

I decided to come to IGNITE in August of last year. This meant I had nine months to think about the year I was about to sacrifice to The Lord. As time went by, I remember thinking things like, "Yeah, next year I won't get to spend Thanksgiving with my family," "I can't believe this time next year I will be spending Christmas in another country," "Too bad I won't be here next year for this," and so on. I dwelled heavily on at the things Jesus was asking me to miss because He wanted me to come here.
As my time to leave got closer and closer, I clung to my earthly obsessions more and more. I quickly traded my Christian music for country because I knew I had to give it up soon. I watched movies and tv shows that I knew dishonored God because I probably wouldn't be able to watch anything at all while I was here. I day dreamed about buying a new car or moving to a new town after I finished with IGNITE. I told myself I would just have to get through the 12 months and then I could have my life back. I wanted the changed life at the end but I wasn't looking forward to the difficulties it would take to get there.
Having the opportunity to write all of these feelings out and publicly admitting to my selfishness is truly humbling. Jesus graciously led me to the IGNITE program and so many helped me get here, and I looked at it as something to get over with. I couldn't be more thankful that He has changed my heart in this over the past week. He has shown me I am truly and unworthy servant who never deserved to have my sins forgiven or the opportunity to sit at His table, let alone come to IGNITE. Every single moment I have here is a gift.