time
I think I spend literally 90 percent of my free time trying to think of ways to find more rest and recharge time. And the other 10 percent trying to concoct more ways to mature or grow up. Ha, and failing miserably at both.
I want to find time to rest and recharge, but all the clamor of life somehow always trumps that desire. It’s almost as if my busy lifestyle to simply survive, takes me away from my passion to truly live. Especially just to have the opportunity to listen. Not to listen to another podcast, or song, or audiobook; but to just Listen. Listen to God, listen to peace, listen to quiet.
I think I do listen. But I listen to the world. And what the world portrays as acceptable. That I am not an asset to society if I am not over-productive. If I am not producing and producing and producing. Quality seems to have been thrown the wayside. Rather than seeking less quantity, and more quality, we find ourselves spread thin attempting too much, and doing it all with mediocrity. When I think about it, that ‘life-philosophy’ is everywhere. And as it is everywhere, it becomes easier to listen to, because it is acceptable, the status quo.
When I am overbooked like that I find myself so much closer to the level of ‘stressed’. I don’t take the time to sit back at the 20,000 foot view and re-evaluate what’s going on — and if/how I can handle it. Busyness surely is a tool of Satan to keep me from God. To keep me from the only thing that will put my life in perspective and remind me, ‘Hey, I’m here.” God is above schedules, time, stress, weather, issues, insecurities & conflict. Why do I never remember?
It’s so hard to be resolute or determined enough to live outside of the societal norms. But with the opportunity, I know God has the power to overcome.
I don’t mean this verse to be cliche, but I’ll deal with it.
Philippians 4:6-8:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”
joy
2010/01/19, 11:58
Filed under:
living Studying Philippians for this months series at K-Life has been a much needed reminder of the importance of Joy. And more importantly having joy and allowing it to work itself out in your life despite whether or not you are happy or pleased with your circumstances.
I believe most men & women who claim to love God also desire to be something of an example to those around them; to be a living encouragement & whatnot to those around them. The more I learn, the more I see the absolute necessity to pursue Truth all the more — whether it works itself out in developing that inner peace, that unshakable, calm character that relaxes people around you — or if it works its way even farther into becoming a joy that exudes from your demeanor. I genuinely think that’s what can make a person attractive to others, whether believers, seekers, or people who hate Christians. I guess there is a purpose to zealot Christianity, but with the upcoming generations of 20 and 30 year olds, that doesn’t seem to work. But when our character is unflinching and true to itself, that is respectable. Then on top of that, when we are steadfast with the addition of genuine joy, not just happiness (which is circumstantial), we can become those people whom attract others easily and can love them in spite of the turn of events we may find ourselves in.
I hope for myself — that I can mature this attitude in me. So my ministry with K-Life can be the most effective it can, while not destroying my enthusiasm for this lifestyle.
