The Boat Talk

Dad and his 2 sons!

It was months before graduating college. Months before finishing on with the child-like persona, months before growing up and getting a real job. Sun had just breached the horizon and the coolness of the waters was chiming in opposition with the warm rays of the sun. A dad will be a dad, and a mom will be a mom. So, the question came from the man who cared and cradled, “Ahhh Jarid, you will be graduating soon.” A still small response came. “Yeah, I am so thankful for these last 4 years.” And then like a hammer it came. “What do you plan to do after college?” This question was not the first time it hit. With each strike, the remembrance of the truth came genuinely and gently; To seek His kingdom and His righteousness, knowing if I do this everything else would be provided. Evvveeerrryyyttthhhiiinnnggg.

As my dad did not like that response, we went back and forth until I told him maybe I will go to North Korea and be a martyr. Yeah, end of conversation. 

Years later, reflecting on the seasons, jobs, locations, experiences, and moments where it felt like there was pressure on every side, His providence in keeping me and those around me has never… never failed. Indeed, the truth of His promise from Matthew 6:33. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” What things you may ask? Everything, in every need, at every time. Let the resounding come... Evvveeerrryyyttthhhiiinnnggg.

With the extravagant adventures in the Lord from living in some of the poorest places in the world, Kyangwali refugee camp in Uganda, to staying in some of the richest places in the world such as Gangnam South Korea, the Lord has done it. I choose not to worry as He richly provides in every way and will continue to keep true to His promise. 

Our accommodations near the camp!

In the seasons before I would ask the Lord, “What does it mean to seek Your Kingdom and Your Righteousness?” Honestly, haha I didn't know. Through experience and revelation there is knowledge that is unattainable except only through a walking and talking relationship with Jesus. 

To seek His kingdom has been to choose to drive and walk hours to seek authentic fellowship with believers. To stay up late into the night casting out evil spirits believing for your neighbor and his wife to get pregnant. (They were casted out, and they got pregnant.) Despite culture clashes writing on many back packs verses of the eternal Word of God. Spending holidays and time off work to be committed to serve others and traveling with companions to do the ministry of the Lord. Choosing to draw near to God in the midst of the passing of my parents. While circumstance is not in tune with the Lord, still believing for signs, wonders, and miracles proclaiming His Word. When no one is looking weeping in His presence deciding to be captivated by His beauty. Sacrificing the pleasures of this life and knowing the true treasures and in knowing Christ. His Kingdom.

To seek His righteousness has been running out of a house and fearing the Lord because He spoke to me, “I didn’t tell you to come here.” To being a teacher of elementary students and humbling myself to learn from their purity, honesty, and faith. To make friends in times of my struggle in craving His righteousness. Choosing to maintain an integrity even when others are pressing to give in to the temptations of this world. Giving the shirt off my back to homeless women there on Ali'i. Kneeing known in front of students and telling them I am sorry for the complacent and casual teaching not done in truth and love. Consistently and constantly being in His eternal Word silencing the deceptive devil, and in this coming close to Christ. His righteousness.

For the 10 years I have been serving Christ, to seek His kingdom and His righteousness has been all of these things and more. As I continue to participate with God, He is faithful to paint such masterpieces beyond my imagination. In many ways I am more uncertain than ever about what He is about to paint. (About the future.) But on my part, I am committed to believing His promise to seek His kingdom and His righteousness, the rest is on the one who remains faithful! Christ the companion, God the glorious, Holy Spirit the helper. Yes, Jesus Christ my friend.

Oh yeah this was the catch from that day!