If you're married, you probably found there are times your spouse catches you off guard--even though you know better. One of David's first glimpses into my desire for and execution of ideas was when I insisted we have a pool with goldfish inside the church for our wedding. If we were going to walk over the arched, white-washed bridge, we needed water, rocks, live plants and goldfish! I know he really didn't want to tote in the truckload of rocks to line the pool on either side, set up tarps, plants, and settle the goldfish, but he did. What a wonderful husband! And a wonderful memory.
It's been 23 years and my enthusiasm still stretches him--and gets me into things I haven't totally thought through. So here's a public confession and apology to our fellow youth workers after last night's meeting. I see a vision. I get excited. I know just how it could be done. And, at least for a time, I cast that vision one way and another and another. It's so real. It's so amazing. It's so do-able. It's so.... Ahhh, and the next morning reality hits as I struggle to get out of bed and do the tasks that belong to today.
This morning, before coffee, I wondered how I could be excited about anything. After the first cup I struggled with how to do what needed to be done now, today. By the time I drained the second cup, clothes had been gathered, wash started, beds made, dishes done and I was praying for those who patiently listened to and considered the wonderful ideas we tossed around, knowing their plates are much more full than mine.
Now that I've had time in the Bible, my heart and mind are more settled and I have hope. This is what I read in Matthew chapter 1 this morning: "So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord" (v. 22). Matthew was writing about the beginning of Jesus' earthly life--his conception, the state of Israel and the set up of Joseph and Mary's circumstances. Their lives were turned upside down by Jesus' coming. Their circumstances appeared out of control--and they were (out of their control--aren't they always?). But God knew. He was working His plan.
The take away? There is nothing I can do apart from God's purpose and plan. He will bring about exactly what He has in mind--and I hope to be part of it--but it doesn't depend on my ideas or my efforts or my limitations. And those things we talked about and got excited about and wondered about last night will happen just as God intends. How that removes the pressure, the weight, the fear of criticism, the frustration. God has done. God is doing. God will do. And we are blessed to be a part.
God said, "Let their be light." And there was light. But His Word in our hearts is accomplished on a much different time frame. May we be true to His Word, faithful and obedient servants who love Him with the excitement and enthusiasm He deserves.
Are you an enthusiast or do you live/work with one? Would you be willing to share how God is using it in your life?
It's been 23 years and my enthusiasm still stretches him--and gets me into things I haven't totally thought through. So here's a public confession and apology to our fellow youth workers after last night's meeting. I see a vision. I get excited. I know just how it could be done. And, at least for a time, I cast that vision one way and another and another. It's so real. It's so amazing. It's so do-able. It's so.... Ahhh, and the next morning reality hits as I struggle to get out of bed and do the tasks that belong to today.
This morning, before coffee, I wondered how I could be excited about anything. After the first cup I struggled with how to do what needed to be done now, today. By the time I drained the second cup, clothes had been gathered, wash started, beds made, dishes done and I was praying for those who patiently listened to and considered the wonderful ideas we tossed around, knowing their plates are much more full than mine.
Now that I've had time in the Bible, my heart and mind are more settled and I have hope. This is what I read in Matthew chapter 1 this morning: "So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord" (v. 22). Matthew was writing about the beginning of Jesus' earthly life--his conception, the state of Israel and the set up of Joseph and Mary's circumstances. Their lives were turned upside down by Jesus' coming. Their circumstances appeared out of control--and they were (out of their control--aren't they always?). But God knew. He was working His plan.
The take away? There is nothing I can do apart from God's purpose and plan. He will bring about exactly what He has in mind--and I hope to be part of it--but it doesn't depend on my ideas or my efforts or my limitations. And those things we talked about and got excited about and wondered about last night will happen just as God intends. How that removes the pressure, the weight, the fear of criticism, the frustration. God has done. God is doing. God will do. And we are blessed to be a part.
God said, "Let their be light." And there was light. But His Word in our hearts is accomplished on a much different time frame. May we be true to His Word, faithful and obedient servants who love Him with the excitement and enthusiasm He deserves.
Are you an enthusiast or do you live/work with one? Would you be willing to share how God is using it in your life?
Sydney, I love your story about the fish - do you have a picture? I want to see it! And yes, I can relate . . . Tim is getting used to me saying, "I have an idea!" and can usually take it in without having to sit down anymore, LOL! :D Some plans work out and even grow, while most fizzle after the initial burst of imagination. :) I believe God takes pleasure in our enthusiasm - often a characteristic of childlike faith. And as we are flexible, He graciously takes our fancy dreams and molds them into something even better than we had imagined! What a blessing, Sister, that we get to share a small part in His design and plan! I love serving our great God with you. :) Love, Sara
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement and beautiful words, Sara! Yes, I do have a picture of the pond--and a little boy who's so engrossed he didn't notice his tie floating in the water :)
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