Tuesday, August 10, 2004

Just in Case... 

“Years ago I came up with my answer to the question, ‘If a genie came to you and gave you one wish, what would it be?’” Tim explained to me at lunch the other day. “I decided I would ask to be the happiest person in the world, who didn’t have to suffer to get that way and who would stay faithful to God my whole life (which is really part of the ‘happiest person’ request cause I know that by staying faithful to God I will stay happiest.)”

“So what would your wish be?” he asked.

Four days later I have a start at an answer :-)

In “A Diary of Private Prayer” by John Baillie, I came across the following line, “Make this day a day of obedience, a day of spiritual joy and peace.” (Morning Prayer for the Ninth Day)

I think a good wish would be that each of my days would be days of obedience, spiritual joy and peace.

Obedience – This is not one of my strong points, but one of my deep longings is to be used in other’s lives. I know that God created and gifted me for a unique part in bringing about His purposes, which are constantly seeking the best for people. So if I am obedient to Him, I’ll end up reaching my goal of impacting others far beyond what I could do with just my own powers and abilities.

Spiritual Joy and Peace – I have had lots of wonderful experiences in my life, covering a wide gamut of types of fun, happiness and joy. Through them I’ve concluded that most experiences wash over me, leaving just a good memory and a desire for more. But the taste I’ve had of spiritual joy and peace is different. It wells up from deep inside and can fill the most commonplace, even drudgerous, thing – sitting somewhere waiting or washing dishes – with pleasure so that every moment of life can be satisfying.

Saturday, August 07, 2004

The Long Silence 

I know I hold back. I know I’m the person in the parable who buries their talent for fear of losing it.

What I don’t quite know is what I’m afraid of.

When it comes to physical stuff, I’m afraid of getting hurt. I guess that’s probably the same in the rest of my life too. So how can I overcome that?

By just stepping out and doing it. By pushing myself beyond what I feel are my limits.

I guess wanting to is a first step too and recognizing that burying the talent displeases the Master.

Lord, please help me step out of the boat. I don’t know what you want me to do out there, but I know that if I keep my eyes on you, sink or walk, you’ll take care of me and you’ll take care of the results that you want to see happen.

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