I was thinking today about how human beings are 'racing toward eternity and thinking we have all the time in the world'...
The older we get, the more sure we are that life goes fast! As our kids grow up, grandkids are born, and the face in the mirror changes.. (some days not so much, other days... yikes!)...
But the thought that held my attention this morning was how difficult it is to maintain an 'eternal perspective' all day, every day, and how quickly my focus can change according to the immediate circumstances... I can be so blessed in my heart after a good quiet time in the morning, and head out for the day ready to roll... and something totally unexpected happens and I'm caught right up in 'dealing with life'... many times whatever holds my attention can also spoil my joy... learning to live in the moment while keeping my focus on Jesus is not 'a given'... it is a choice.
That's when I must choose to 'take every thought captive'. I am learning to go more quickly straight to Jesus with all of the 'stuff'... I know I go to Him with things that probably just make Him smile (if it were me... I would probably roll my eyes!...) But I take huge comfort in the knowledge that He has made me, and He knows the workings of my mind and heart better than I do... so He understands my rambling words, and even speaks His truth to me in the midst of them...
I believe that God means for us to enjoy this life... 'He has given us all things to enjoy'... I aim for the balance of living this life and enjoying every day, while understanding that it is all temporary, and that what I am in my inner most heart is what matters the most to God. He sees it all!
The view on my immediate horizon changes constantly... it's the view of the distant horizon that I want to never lose sight of!
So today... I race, live, enjoy... while being aware that the whole of my life belongs to Him... and I seek more than ever to make every day count!
"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back."...
(Phil.3:12-14 The Message)
15 comments:
"off and running!" i love the message version
for its vernacular. what a timely piece you have
written.
are you a mind reader?
i came over to see if you had a song but instead
got a great sermon. thank you.
blessings,
lea
This is a well worded post from your heart, and as I was reading it I was saying "amen" through every word. How difficult it is to keep my perspective right. How quickly I find my focus shifting. Like you, I thank God that He knows me so well and loves me so much, that He patiently and lovingly redirects that focus. You spoke my heart thoughts today and what a blessing you were to me...as always. So thankful for those He brings into our lives to share the race with.
Sonja, what a way to start my Sonday morning. Thank you dear one for such a timely post. Blessings to you.
Sonja,
Were you hiding in my room listening to my prayers on several occasions? (SMILE). You perfectly shared not only your heart but mine as well for we ALL (if we're honest and what other way can we be in Christ); know that we've been 'there'!
I gave a hearty shout of Amen when you said:
"and something totally unexpected happens and I'm caught right up in 'dealing with life'... many times whatever holds my attention can also spoil my joy... learning to live in the moment while keeping my focus on Jesus is not 'a given'... it is a choice."
Thank you for a "MEATY" message! I am always blessed in my visit.
I'm praying for you and your family.
Love you,
Lisa
P.S. I hope you received my thank you email the other day. I am loving the book!!!! So much I want to say about it and how GOD is speaking to me. Thank you again...
Sonja,
I know what you mean , just the last days I found myself fixing my eyes on some material things , and how quickly my eyes wandered from Jesus. I too need to hold my thoughts captive.
Blessings and hugs!
Gwen
There is such wisdom in this post. I love this:
"...learning to live in the moment while keeping my focus on Jesus is not 'a given'... it is a choice."
Amen, amen, amen.
We must set our will to follow after Him. I often have to remind myself as my mind wanders and starts to go downhill with worry. I try to replace the worry with Scriptures I've memorized which helps.
I know I can always come to visit you and find such wisdom and honesty. No, none of us has it all together this side of eternity.
It's tough stuff to remain/live in the moment. But when I do, I often find life to be more alive, more colorful, more "do-able".
This is a great reminder; one we need to hear and take to heart every single day. Thank you!
Hugs,
Kathleen
Lord help us to keep our eye on the goal!
I do often find myself with Paul...that which I do not, that is what I do, and that which I do, well...I should not do: Romans7:15 Debra's translation :)
Wonderful devotion Sonja!
It strikes a cord with me when you mention learning to go to Jesus more quickly with all your "stuff". I, too, am learning this. It's funny how I tend to keep things stuffed in. As if the LORD doesn't already know what's going on with me!? For a long time I think I believed relating to Him about my inner workings should come naturally. Now I find it takes some WORK. And usually some digging to get down to the real issues.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
Eternal perspective all day...
I've lost it at least 50 times already this day and, instead, focused on the temporary strains that are taking a foothold. Truly, I think if we could ever get around to living the fullness of what we preach, our lives would walk in constant peace and communion with our Lord. Maybe we should take Brother Lawrence's cue and move to the monastery. Do you think they'd miss us?
peace~elaine
I just came across this scripture the other day, it ties in so well here...
“Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don't skimp on colors and scarves…. each day is God's gift.” (Ecc 7-9 The Message)
Hallelujah!
so sorry for all the trouble! prayer is much better, anyway.
What a great post! You are so right "learning to live in the moment while keeping my focus on Jesus is not 'a given'... it is a choice". When we make that choice, God blesses us. Thanks for the great reminder!
Living for Him, Joan
Sonja, thank you for this timely post of yours. It is something that I've been working through with the Holy Spirit. I especially liked what you said about living today remembering that it is only temporary. May the Lord bless you richly for your insight...and willingness to share it!
Yes and Amen. The verse I stopped on today and am praying about was Col 3:2 - Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on this earth.
Wow, for me that is a big one, while I usually think on what all I need to get done, and I get caught up in that list and not the things above.
Thanks, enjoyed,
Janette
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