Settling in...

I'm writing this entry during a little break from editing. I'm busy cutting a segment for a pilot episode for a T.V show that I've helped to produce. As I've been humming along these past few hours, alone in the studio , I've been been thinking about where I'm at and getting a little clearer picture.

See, I've spent much time in prayer and contemplation lately, trying to figure out how to best spend my time doing what it is I love to do (and pay the bills), and really get to the bottom of what God wants me to do with my passions. I've kind of been in a vacuum of discovery for the last few months, and while I've grown thru the process, I've found myself very busy figuring out where my niche is in this crazy business of entertainment. Like, really busy. I've been working really hard, but the question I've been asking myself these past few hours is this: Have I been working smart?

The problem for me is this... I love to work. (esp. in T.V. and film) and I've been working the last few months on projects that have definitely expanded my skill set, increased my knowledge and given me a far better understanding of how this crazy business works. And now I've got figure out how I'm gonna work in this crazy business, and, as I said above, honour God by doing what I'm supposed to be doing.
I'm getting better at editing, but I don't love it. I'm getting better at figuring out tech-y stuff, but I don't love it. I'm getting better at settling for work that takes up my time, I don't love it. I want passion. I want what God wants. I know this isn't gonna happen over night, but if I'm honest with myself, which I'm trying to be here, I better start finding ways to spend more time working at getting better at what it is I love to do.
I better get back to work.

A Life Well Lived...

I was in South Beach last week taking a mini vacation with my wife when I got the news. First off, I vowed not to check my email while down there, but alas, I did. That's where I saw the email entitled "Tragedy". And I can't come up with a better word. A man that I hold in very high regard died suddenly, while working as a missionary in Africa. Myself, like hundreds of thousands of others who have had the pleasure of knowing him have been processing the magnitude of his passing for the last week.
Why?
Because, not only are we grieving the loss of an awesome guy, a passionate follower of Jesus, but three very young children are now without a dad. That hurts.
But his story, though tragic, was inspired. And his life, though painfully short, was lived well and with purpose. It was passionate. It was adventurous. And most importantly, it had God's fingerprints all over it.
Reading about this man this past week has made me feel insecure about my own faith. This was a man who heard the undeniable call to go to Africa and serve. God called him to this, and he obeyed. And, as his broken hearted father in-law said so perfectly yesterday... He literally sacrificed his life for God.
As a follower, and a professed man of faith, I can honestly say that I feel a little insecure about my faith in comparison to this man. You see, God calls us to live for Him. The problem for me is that one of my many sins is the desire for comfort and security, but the will of God is the furthest thing away from that. In fact, the will of God is the most dangerous place on earth. It eliminates the need for comfort. It eliminates the fear of failure, the fear of judgment and most importantly... the fear of death.
This man, whom I hold in high regard died at the young age of 36 doing the will of God. He died in Africa in a horrible accident, while building a prayer tower. He did not die in vain.
And now, hundreds of thousands of people like myself, are processing the magnitude of of his life... And are truly inspired by it.

Rob Hall is this man...

danielroberthall.net ...and if you've ever wondered what it's like to live a life of faith, this would be a shining example.