Giving thanks in all circumstances is not something that has come naturally to me. As I've grown as a Christ follower, I've slowly let go of old feelings and beliefs. I've experienced a softening around the edges, and allowed God's grace to sink deep into my bones, transforming me from the inside out. This process of becoming has turned thanksgiving into a permanent fixture rather than an optional "when I feel like it" approach to life.
Having children effectively cured me from my know-it-all-ness. No longer could I be certain of anything in life. My tiny humans set their own schedules from the beginning, and, when my expectations and their needs collided, their best interests always took precedence over mine.
God is so good! He knew exactly what motivation I needed to look past myself and grow a heart that desires to put others' needs before my own. In serving others, I am ultimately serving God. He started with lessons learned through family relationships, and has continued to expand and refine my heart to help and serve in other ways. He paved the way so I could see the blessings even when things weren't going "my way". In the words of singer/songwriter, David Bracken, he "scaled me down".
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.
~ Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust and thanksgiving go hand in hand. The more we trust God with every part of our lives, the more freely we offer our thanks with joy.
Truth exemplified: I do most of my writing in the evening after the kids are in bed. I value my creative down time, and do my best to protect it from interruptions. Last night, however, I was interrupted by a sick child with a sore throat. He needed comfort and cuddles more than I needed to stay connected to my computer.
So, I let go of my plan, washed it away along with everything else in the day, secure in the knowledge that God had me exactly where He wanted me in that moment. I gave thanks for the opportunity to provide the comfort and reassurance my son needed, and trusted that the writing would happen as it was meant to. Learning to let go has been one of the greatest gifts God has given me. It's one of the ways He's helping shape my life as a writer. It's my prayer that we may all learn to let go, and become truth bearers, not for our benefit, but for the benefit and glory of God.
What have you had to let go of in your writing journey?
Very well put, Karma. I, too, have learned to let go of my version of how things should turn out. The freedom that comes from that is incomparable. For me, God's most common command is, "Show up. I'll take care of the rest." Life is much calmer this way.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true, Bobbi! When we show up as followers of Jesus, our being present brings His presence. And I agree, life is so much calmer when we get out of the way and let God do what needs doing. :)
DeleteThis was a beautifully written post, Karma, and very timely for this coming weekend. I love your 'voice'. Strange how my two new favourite writers both come from the FSJ area...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tracy. I've been told there's something in the water around here ;) Must be affecting writer's voices as well lol
DeleteI too had to let go of my goals after I had kids. At that time in my life I didn't have writing goals but ministry goals as a missionary. We moved overseas and I really wanted to spend time with the nationals, learning the language and developing relationships. But God reminded me that my children were the MOST important ministry--that they were my disciples--and that I should give thanks for them. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteVery well said and indeed very timely. I have a little saying on my wall "I am where you called me to be. Thank you Lotd!" There are no small children here but a sick husband who needs much care.
ReplyDelete"He will make your paths straight" - yet still, I sometimes feel He is leading me straight over a cliff, but when I stop looking to see where I think we should go and look again at my feet (Ps 119:105), I find myself on His firm foundation. Thanks for the reminder to let go of me!
ReplyDeleteAgain,what all of you are saying goes back to the seasons of life. I have been through a few of those seasons. Looking back, I can say that Jesus has led me all the way. Sometimes I balked like a rebellious child at his leading, but I finally learned that life runs more smoothly when I deny what I am thinking and questioning and just listen for the Lord's good guidance. I hadn't thought of Proverbs 3:5-6 as my Touchstone Scripture, Karma, but it truly is. Thanks for that!
ReplyDeleteLovely. So well said.
ReplyDeleteVery encouraging Karma. I've had to let go of trying to obey the command to "write everyday" and schedule "umpteen hours a week" writing. Instead I try to listen to God's promptings, and rejoice in things being done in His time, without rushing. :)
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