lessons in new seasons

This past summer at JH Ranch, my prayer and desire was that I wouldn't miss anything the Lord had for me--that I would be so aware of all of the opportunities in front of me and would take advantage of them. Going into this fourth summer on staff knowing it would be my last brought about a new sense of urgency and gratefulness in me. Every day, I was so grateful to be at the Ranch again, and with that, I wanted to take full advantage of my time there. Now that I am working (if you didn't know, I'm working in the financial institutions assurance group at an accounting firm) and settled into the routine of normal life, as I think back on the summer, I realize that this seize-the-day mindset has carried over into my life today.  

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.  Colossians 2:6-7 

I'm learning to live so aware of every good gift, big and small, the Lord has given me. I'm learning that living thankfully produces joy, even in the mundane, and keeps me aware of the Lord's presence, even in busy times. God started developing a thought in me over the summer, and Sunday he reminded me of it. My constant prayer for the summer was, "I don't want to waste a moment." I prayed this prayer often, thinking that I needed to be on my toes to catch every opportunity, but the Lord began to teach me that including him in every moment makes no moment wasted. So now, as I work, I'm learning not to separate the spreadsheets and emails and financial statements from my life with God, because he is here with me whether I'm composing an email or teaching Sunday School, and I want to do everything I do with him and unto him. He's too good to disclude from any part of my life. If I'm not welcoming him into every part of my life, I'm settling for less than what he has for me. This Christian life is about relationship with God. As we live with him, he lives through us. Every moment I waste without him is a moment I could've come to know him more, a moment he could've made me more like him. Now, when I say moments without him are wasted, I mean it, but let's not confine moments with God to quiet times and worship services. Life with God is just that, life with God. There's no avoiding working and paying bills and doing dishes, but these things can be done with him. It's as simple as inviting him into the day, asking him to lead you, talking to him about your worries and hopes. As you commune with him, he teaches you, loves you, guides you. Out of the overflowing joy that comes from knowing him, you bless people, not because you needed to check a box for a good deed for the day, but because you were with God. Sidenote: don't think I'm perfect at this. I'm writing this to myself, too, as I learn what it is to live and work with God in the adult world. 

Sunday morning in church, we sang the All Sons and Daughters song, "Great Are You Lord." I love these lyrics: "It's your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise to you only." As I heard those words, I thought about how I can offer everything I am and everything I do back to the Lord in worship because it's his breath in my lungs, his intelligence (a little bit of it!) in my brain, his creativity in my thinking, his peace in my heart. My day-to-day life, what seems trivial, what seems important, can all be a worship offering. This desire and ability to offer all of me in worship comes out of the place I was talking about above, constant communion with him. Any other motivation will eventually lead to burnout.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Colossians 3:17

Lastly, as I begin this new season of life, the Lord reminds me often that my identity is secure. It's so easy for me to start letting accomplishments and skills and knowledge define me. And, on the flipside, when I let my identity depend on my performance, mistakes and failures jeopardize who I am. However, knowing my status a child of God frees me from the fear of failure. Whether I'm having a good day or a bad day, I am still loved, and I am still his. On the days when I feel like I can't get anything right, I'm learning to say no to the thoughts that make me question my identity, because I'm learning to believe that my identity is not contingent upon my performance. This secure identity makes success a platform for praise rather than pride and failure a gateway into growth rather than guilt.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.  Romans 8:14-17

Blessings to you! Rest in the peace of God. You cannot be shaken.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord.

With him at my right hand,

I will not be shaken.

Psalm 16:8

Surely you have granted him unending blessings

and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

For the king trusts in the Lord;

through the unfailing love of the Most High

he will not be shaken.

Psalm 21:6-7

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;

my hope comes from him.

Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

he is my fortress,

I will not be shaken.

Psalm 62:5-6