Christian Living

Every morning I wake up with the realization that I have no way of knowing what this day will hold. The only thing I do know is WHO holds this day... and every tomorrow that He has set before me... and I trust Him!

I always try to set a few realistic goals for the day so that I can at least start the day with a sense of direction and purpose. Not the kind of plan that you write down on a list; number and complete, and then check off. (That is a little too “ritualistic” for me. Even I am not that organized!) This is just a mental list under the heading of “I want to...” or at least “Today I would like to...”

There are very few days when the things on my “want to” list are completed, but at least I have set my mind moving with a sense of purpose. Making plans and being organized works for me... and even if those plans, or the organization, is somehow “thwarted” by something, or someone, I am still okay and can sometimes rebound and make them work. It is not about “control”; it’s about self discipline and order; redeeming my time and turning my day into a forward moving instrument of peace and contentment in whatever situation I am faced with during that particular day.

I truly can stay flexible and make adjustments as long as I have a baseline structure to work from... or at least aim for. It is easier to return to a place of flow, and peace, when you know where you were originally heading and it is easier to regain your footing. It seems to make sense of everything for me.

I have never been a person who could just “meander” through a day, or just take on an attitude that is not involved with any desire for any particular outcome. To me that is both boring and depressing. I guess I really don’t get what all the fuss is about when I hear people complain that they never get anytime to “just rest!” Rest to me is what you do between things that really matter. Rest is the place you “go” to gain new strength for what comes next. Sometimes “rest” is a place you can actually only go to in your head, or by changing your focus... or even just your attitude about what you are doing or what is being required of you. And, even sometimes, what you are requiring of yourself! Nothing wrong with that! And it works for me!

I believe that God has taught me these things. He knew what my life would hold and He has given me what I needed to work to the best of my ability and to walk in a way that would both honor Him, and bless me. I would like to believe that I have been a good student... and I certainly KNOW that I have had a wonderful teacher!

The Word says, “He fashions their hearts “individually”...” and it is so true and very evident if you pay attention to the beauty in the differences among those of us who follow after Him. He has “fashioned” my heart “individually” ... for my life and the plans He has made for me. And He will do the same for you! Your heart... your life... His plan! And in it there will be peace and joy that goes beyond what you can even imagine... and there is more to come! How easy it is to trust Him... He has proven Himself trustworthy!