Is It Worth It?

Camp Teams 2007 is offically over for us and the feeling is very bittersweet. I (William) am glad to be going home and resting up for my trip to Taiwan in a week but my heart longs so much to go back and hang out with kids. Last Thursday, Levi left to go to Kansas City and get on a plane for his brother's wedding and the rest of our team headed back to Joplin the next day. I left yesterday morning for my 7 hour drive home (I live in Iowa).
During training week, my car was broken into and the radio was stolen, so my drive was without music. It was just me driving. I spent my time reflecting on the last 38 days and my future trip to Taiwan. For a good time, I spent much time complaining about:
--my health (i had a bad cough and stomach flu the last week)
--my exhaustion (38 days sleeping in my sleeping bag on mattresses not specifically made for comfort)
--my finances (being gone on my missions trip doesn't allow me to put some money away for next semester)
--my uncomfort (no need for explanation)
--the stinking rain!!!!! (i woke up on friday to the third day straight of rain with two flies on my knee--i think it's a sign...)

As I was whining and talking to God, I was getting more and more irritated and then at the moment I was the most irritated, I heard the Spirit say, "Isn't it worth it?"

I paused (but was still driving...).

Then I thought of all the moments I had in the last month encouraging kids to go home and shine like stars (Philippians 2:15) or talking to kids about the importance of purity or just being their friend that listened (because that is what I like to do). Through all the pain, all the exhaustion, all the discomfort, for one person to move in a different direction- a direction towards God and not themselves- it is worth it.

So, with this being my (william) final post on this blog, I ask all of you reading this:

What is it worth to give up everything?

To me, it is worth everything to give up everything.

Have a great summer!