Have you had the joy of watching little kids when they get in front of a mirror? They have heart-warming and sometimes hilarious interactions. These little ones have such authenticity and vulnerability as they interact with “themselves” in the mirror. What about you? When you look in the mirror, who do you see? Do you value the reflection of that person? Are you authentically being “you” each day? It’s time to treasure your valuable life like God does.
Many people feel invisible today. Some work hard and long to do the right thing – often behind-the-scenes – not for recognition or glory, but because it must be done. As a result, many folks with noble commitment go unnoticed. You’ve likely felt invisible in your hard work, faithfully doing what God asks each day. And “they” don’t seem to notice. But God notices. In fact, He says – “I Am They.”
Surely you’ve wondered at least once – “what’s the deal with God’s timing?!” He seems to be on a completely different time schedule. Admit it with me: there are times you’ve wondered when God is going to answer your prayers. Whether it’s personal or global tragedies that happen without warning, waiting years for God’s intervention in a difficulty, healing a relationship, providing for a need, or personal matters of the heart – all certainly involve God’s timing.
As we go into today’s content . . . Learn Well – Live Well – Love Well . . . I first want to read off a list of one-liners we’ve heard over the years. They deal with the hum-drum of life:
Same old – same old
And on go the one-liners we’ve heard in a variety of ways. All seem to speak to an emptiness, dullness, boring repetition, and rather skeptical view of life.
But life is NOT hum-drum! Therefore, let’s explore a full, exciting, fresh-every-day, and rather hopeful view of life. Will you join me?
In graduate school, I had a stark realization as first semester syllabuses were handed out in class. It reminded me of a similar eye-opener in college-level classes after high school – but this was definitely a step up. As I began to digest graduate school expectations, I noticed a panicky feeling inside. There would be no reminders, no pace set for us, no little “clues.” Set your own reminders, pace, and “get a clue!” The level of expectation was much higher. There was no option except to tear into it, and hope for the best!
We live with boundaries every day. Some examples: Your yard ends, and the neighbor’s yard begins. Countries have boundaries to define territory. Speed limits keep traffic in check to prevent accidents. The zoo has walls, cages, and glass to keep children safe as they enjoy animals. Walls and doors form rooms – helpful when you need to sleep or take a shower. Banks with safes protect money. Oceans caress the beach only to a certain distance. If boundaries are so common all around us, then why is it hard to place and keep boundaries to protect our hearts and minds? Afterall, boundaries help.
I have a few short stories referencing “at your edge.”
When I was a child in gym class, we practiced walking on a balance beam. It was a bit nerve-racking! Apparently, if you walk a beam only two or three inches off the ground, it’s easier. But walking a beam four feet off the ground takes a bite out of your confidence. I tried to be confident four feet off the ground. But it was still tricky.
When I was a young mom with little ones, we visited a state park. We climbed a high cliff and came to an edge with a very long drop. It was roped off – but ropes don’t stop little kids. They started right for the edge! As my stomach turned somersaults, I quickly intervened and pulled them back from the edge.
During another season of life, I experienced being at my edge when difficulties and losses piled high. I was at the edge of my endurance. Incidentally, it was terribly uncomfortable. And it was at this edge I learned some critical skills and maneuvers. I grew into a “new maturity” as I realized from God’s point of view – life’s beam is only a few inches off the ground. He stabilizes my balance, closely spots my walk, and keeps me safe. This gave me hope.
Pause with me and ponder stories of people who have overcome circumstances. History is filled with these heroes.
Narrative is a word that has “ticked up” in usage recently. We’ll explore that. But this content is about God’s narrative of you. What is that narrative? Because you hear many different messages daily about your life and value, it’s tricky to determine which narratives are true and which are lies. So – do you know the truth? Comfortingly, God’s narrative about you is based in truth – and love.
What you think about what God thinks about you – matters! God is interested in you, in blessing you, and in your friendship.
I remember a season a couple decades ago when I felt things were falling apart. By that time in my life, I’d already noticed an interesting development. Despite a lot of hard work, regardless of best intentions, even after applying good counsel and working to apply Scripture – things don’t always turn out. That’s when you discover the value of a fresh start.
Subscribe below to receive encouraging articles and podcasts in your inbox that help you apply God’s Word practically each day!
Why not refresh your walk with Jesus and renew your commitment to Bible Study?
Website design by …
Copyright 2024 All rights Reserved.
