David's Laughter

Do you ever take a step back and look at your life? That's what it felt like every 6 months for the past 2 years with Arrow Leadership. All 24 of us + staff would gather together from across Canada at beautiful Barnabas Retreat Centre on Keat's Island and at an auberge in the Gatineau, Quebec to learn from instructors, leadership partners and each other; pray, eat delicious food and play.

On the first night, they would ask us to give one word that summarized the past 6 months since we last met. It was good to review the last 6 months and remember highlights of what happened during that time. After each meal, 3 people would stand up and have a chance to explain why they chose that word - it was awesome to hear how everyone was doing and what God was doing in them.

Jason Hildebrand, an actor came during the week and acted out the story of King David in the Old Testament. It gave me a chance to take a longer look at my life, remember where I've come from and be grateful to God for his grace in my life. It helped that I went to China in May, to see where I come from and meet my family. My friend J recently mentioned how he sees a vast difference in me from when we first knew each other in university.

At one point in the play, King David has some one-on-one time with God in his throne room. God reviews his entire life in a few sentences and foretells his future, that out of his line will come One who is greater than he and that his kingdom will never end. It's a very powerful moment.

David's reaction? Dead silence, and then he suddenly flops onto his throne and just. cracks. up! He laughs and laughs and laughs, squishing up his eyes and holding his stomach while trying to catch his breath. I mean, this is the same David that wasn't even considered by his own father to be a suitable candidate for the future king of Israel!

It struck me that this is kind of like my life - I wept while remembering the painful moments in my life and shook my head in amazement as I remembered the many incredible experiences I've had and how blessed I am.

2 Samuel 7:8-16. “‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own...I will also give you rest from all your enemies.

“ ‘The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son... But my love will never be taken away from him,...Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’ ”