Yes, it's been a while since I've posted. Lots of things going on, and no time to discuss them. I can't and shouldn't complain - though I want to and feel like I need to (sin!).
However, I do feel compelled to blog about something else: something that is important (maybe even more so regarding the current things/environment/circumstances that I am going through...) - the "It" referenced in the title...
I know that my purpose (and indeed, everyone's purpose) while here on planet Earth is to do just one thing. To do "It": to glorify God. Simple statement, eh? I've summed up what I feel to be the most important thing that I (or anyone) can ever do, and yet, I know that "It" isn't so simple.
So I've been struggling to better define "It". I sometimes think "Wow, 'It' would be so much easier if only I were on the mission field..." Or "if only I were a pastor..." Or "if only I were a doctor..." etc... Where does that kind of thinking get me? Besides, I'm not so sure that some, if not most, missionaries / pastors / doctors don't struggle with "It" too...
I've come to the conclusion that God has me here (time, place, and *circumstances*) for His reasons, for my ultimate good, and for His glory. "It": To glorify God in all that I say, do and act. As a visual person, I want to know what that looks like. I've been asking myself the above question... What does it look like - while working at RainGard, while at home, while working in the yard, while talking to my neighbors, or while _____________ [fill in the blank]? Over and over again, I ask. I wonder if I'm coming close to "It".
I'm addressing this question in two ways: Bible reading and prayer.
From my Bible reading, I see examples of those who struggled, who failed, and who succeeded and sometimes did all three! (I know I struggle and fail, not completely sure about my success...) I also see guidelines for success. I know I need to be more diligent and disciplined in my reading.
I also pray (and need prayer!) that I do "It". I'm praying that as I try to do "It", I fulfill the most important and greatest commandment of all [Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28].
I needed to write this. I need this as a reminder and as encouragement. With the end result that those around me don't hear me, don't focus on me or my actions, but rather they see God and He be glorified over all.
However, I do feel compelled to blog about something else: something that is important (maybe even more so regarding the current things/environment/circumstances that I am going through...) - the "It" referenced in the title...
I know that my purpose (and indeed, everyone's purpose) while here on planet Earth is to do just one thing. To do "It": to glorify God. Simple statement, eh? I've summed up what I feel to be the most important thing that I (or anyone) can ever do, and yet, I know that "It" isn't so simple.
So I've been struggling to better define "It". I sometimes think "Wow, 'It' would be so much easier if only I were on the mission field..." Or "if only I were a pastor..." Or "if only I were a doctor..." etc... Where does that kind of thinking get me? Besides, I'm not so sure that some, if not most, missionaries / pastors / doctors don't struggle with "It" too...
I've come to the conclusion that God has me here (time, place, and *circumstances*) for His reasons, for my ultimate good, and for His glory. "It": To glorify God in all that I say, do and act. As a visual person, I want to know what that looks like. I've been asking myself the above question... What does it look like - while working at RainGard, while at home, while working in the yard, while talking to my neighbors, or while _____________ [fill in the blank]? Over and over again, I ask. I wonder if I'm coming close to "It".
I'm addressing this question in two ways: Bible reading and prayer.
From my Bible reading, I see examples of those who struggled, who failed, and who succeeded and sometimes did all three! (I know I struggle and fail, not completely sure about my success...) I also see guidelines for success. I know I need to be more diligent and disciplined in my reading.
I also pray (and need prayer!) that I do "It". I'm praying that as I try to do "It", I fulfill the most important and greatest commandment of all [Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28].
I needed to write this. I need this as a reminder and as encouragement. With the end result that those around me don't hear me, don't focus on me or my actions, but rather they see God and He be glorified over all.
