Well after my crazy start to the summer I'm happy to say that I am now blessed with a busy summer not an impossible summer. The last week was a mad dash to pass my first Spanish term. I won't know my grades for another few days but I'm pretty sure it'll all turn out ok. As tough as the decision to quit was I realized today that it forced me to evaluate my priorities and get them in line. I had not been taking time to be still or listen to the Lord and life goes downhill fast in that situation.
One of my favorite things in life is time alone in the Word or writing my thoughts down in my journal with a cup of coffee. I hadn't done that all summer and today I made it a priority. What a blessing it was. I tend to go so fast that I never take time to postulate on what I'm doing or how I'm doing it, these times are my chance to do s
o. I am constantly in my head in prayer or just mulling life over (many of my close friends can attest to my headiness), and until I do this my thoughts remain a jumbled mess of thoughts and wanderings.One of my favorite spots to journal is a small water access pipe along the Willamette river. For four years now I've gone here to think, pray, read, drink a cup of coffee, go on a date well you get the idea. It's quiet, calm, easy to get to, and there's just something about it that I love. Today I spent time in the Word and also had time to journal after that. I started reading through Isaiah again and was struck with so much in the first few chapters. 1:16-17 always stand out but today they really hit me between the eyes, "Stop doing wrong, learn to do good." I am so thankful that sometimes the Lord gives it to me real simple. Life's a journey and his command to me is to learn how to do good not just to be good. As a 22 year old guy I've pretty much worked my whole life at learning so I realize that it's a process and ever evolving technique to be mastered. I think the Lord is so pleased with baby steps sometimes because we're fulfilling his desire
of sanctification in our lives. This summer quitting my job will help me pass Spanish sure, but more importantly I'll have time to be in the Word and serving at my fullest capacity and for that I'm pretty excited to struggle a bit financially!There have been some tough things this summer with jobs, friends, expectations, money, time, and contentment but through it all I live for a perfectly loving God and he's got my back. He's given me a chance to do this summer a different way and I'm excited to learn how exactly it will look. For today it meant some stillness in the sun by the river, to get my head straight. I'll take it :)
4 comments:
What an amazing thing to realize God has you just where He needs you to be, for now. I'm glad you got to spend that time with Him. God will honor your willingness to "be still". I love you! Mom
Boo, I just posted a comment and for whatever reason it got deleted. I normally have to try a couple times but I've never lot one before.
Hugs for you, I'll try again tomorrow. Grandma
Dear BRI;
Like your Grandma I wrote something a couple of weeks ago and it got lost in the ether. Glad to hear more positive comments regarding your Spanish inquisition.
I do have a couple of concerns. One is that you have gone to your special place on "DATES". I thought that dates were a product of southern California. What is siouthern California doing in Oregon?
And then there is that motorized bike. Next you will be wearing leather and sporting a beard. Instead of riding the bike pleaase spend time trying to improve your ping pong skills. You need a lot of help.
So glad to read of your walk with the Lord. Thank you for having that as a major concern. This is a great cause of rejoicing for both your parents and grandparents. Sounds as if you are growing from your small group exposure. I found that my greatest times of spirtual growth have come when I have been involved leading.
I am still serving as Interim at an E Free church in Kansas about 30 miles away from where we live. I'm pretty sure I'll be there at least throught August. After that I may have to come to you for financial assistance. We will spend a week at a timeshare in Beaver Creek, CO in late August with a couple who formerly attended Battle Creek Bible Church. Have a great week!
Love,
Grandad (but not Old Grand Dad!)
props Bri.
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