I have been under the pile. Things to do. You know, the usual: laundry, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, cooking. Add in relationships with family and friends, don’t forget work, and then fit in hobbies like gardening, reading, learning music, sewing. Now add some major life events: college graduation for one son, college planning for the other, wedding planning for the firstborn and just to make life more interesting: The Change has come upon me.
I had all but abandoned my writing when, in the middle of the craziest busiest week this month, I looked out the window and saw this sight
I was immediately reminded of my unfinished blog series on Life Lessons. So here it is.
Keep On.
The sunflower that had fallen is the tall one on the left. If you don’t know sunflowers, it’s the tall skinny plant in the top row, directly above the garden arch in the picture. It only slightly leans forward from the others. Hardly noticeable in its difference. The brokenness that could have killed it now has become a testimony of perseverance. Keep On.
I have been slowed down in my life by circumstances. Or at least that’s the excuse I am clinging to right now. But my circumstances are my life. So how am I slowed down? By my attitude about the circumstances.
Allowing my focus to be on the hurry and worry, rather on the acceptance of what is; the lack of seeking wisdom of what to let slide; neglecting the need to reach out to others for help; not speaking a very short word that is a step to freedom: “No”, have all contributed to a dry, distracted, unfocused life. This is not the way to Keep On.
The sunflower shows me. Keep seeking life. Be renewed. Keep On.
He came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)
Mindset adjustment: abundant does not mean DOING MORE!
Abundant means life giving: Jesus in us, for us and to others. Overflowing life. Strengthening life. Joyful life. Even in really tough circumstances.
My circumstances are NOT tough right now. But I have had them. You might be having them now.
Where do you seek life that changes you, that strengthens you?
I look to Jesus. He lifts my head. Through the Word. In the garden. In the chirping of birds. Through music. Laughter. Oh that we might have eyes to see and ears to hear!
Friends, don’t let the busy-ness of your circumstances distract you from seeking life!
I made myself take time to read this morning instead of “getting right to work”. I finished a terrific book, Beautiful Outlaw, by John Eldredge. He ends the book with this:
“But this Jesus—this Beautiful Outlaw—if his exquisite life were to invade ours…oh, my. It would change everything.”
Seek life. Keep On.
His prayer at the end of his book was my prayer this morning. It can be for you as well:
“Jesus, invade my life. Cleanse this temple. Produce your Cana in me. I give my humanity to you, to be restored by your humanity. I give my life to you to live your life.”
Keep On.