As a young person, beginning around 14 years old, I remember catching myself in a mirror and spending time just staring at myself. I would stare at myself, looking behind my eyes – and asking myself “Who are you?” I would look deeply; however, it was as if I was looking into an abyss – there was nothing there. I would become so frightening that I would have to look away.
I look back now and it is not surprising that it was frightening to be in this world and not have an answer to the very profound question of “Who are you?” A couple of days ago I found myself standing there staring at myself and peering deeply behind my eyes and not blinking or becoming overwhelmed. Rather, 40 years later, I found myself probing deeper, asking myself “How did you get here?” “Where do you want to go from here?” “How can you do better?” I had an answer to each of those questions.
I have been wondering about what caused the difference. Obviously, a lot has happened in 40 years, but the most significant change is that I became a Christian when I was 18 years old.
When you know:
Who you are (Loved; Redeemed; Victorious); and
Whose you are (A Child of God); and
Why you are (To Do His Will – Share the Good News).
You cease to be frightened and can move with purpose and power.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Glory To God For All That He Has Done
Blessings – Janice
I was having lunch with a friend recently and discussing my desire to take on a project but being concerned about how much of myself would be exposed. The project would hopefully prove encouraging to others, but it would involve me discussing some difficult times in my life. The goal would be to share how struggling through with patience, faith, and prayer allowed me to emerge on the other side with a heart full of gratitude to God.
I have worked with basically the same group of people for nearly 30 years. In that time my co-workers have gotten to know me, my character, and my values. Because they know me, I generally don’t question how I am being received or perceived.
I was just at the retirement celebration for a co-worker and friend that I have known for almost 30 years. During her celebration, individuals consistently commented on her strong work ethic, her commitment to the work, and her willingness to train or mentor team members. When my co-worker spoke she talked about how much she cared about the work that she did, and how at times she may have been tough, but it was because she was focused on the children and families that were impacted by the work. She said she never forgot that her work impacted the neediest of the needy.
I have always been excited to see the New Year, because it symbolized a fresh start. I feel that every day that the Lord allows us to wake is a new, fresh day to begin – but there is something different about the start of a New Year.
This word has been staying on my mind for the last several weeks. I have been thinking about how gracious God has been and continues to be in my life. I can’t seem to get the word out of my head, so decided to write about it. When I tried to define graciousness myself, the word grace came to mind and how you have to be full of grace to be gracious. The common definition for gracious includes the words kind, compassionate, thoughtful, and courteous.
I have been thinking about this for some time, and often asked it to myself and others. I cannot tell you how many times I have looked up to see someone standing behind me, sometimes quietly and sometimes impatiently waiting to move past me. Or how many times someone would bump me as they moved past me. My most recent experience was when I as in Sam’s and was attempting to choose a package of chicken. I looked up to see someone moving my shopping basket so they would be able to pass by. Before I was able to catch myself, I said to the individual “All that was necessary, was an excuse me.” I didn’t know that I was speaking loud enough to be heard, and was mortified when the lady turned around to address me. Surprisingly she was not upset, but simply laughed and apologized, and I apologized for my words.
Don’t be afraid of the depths – or the waves and breakers of life. Those who have the richest relationship with God have developed it in some pretty painful places. We wish it didn’t have to be this way, but usually it does. High callings seem to require some low experiences. Revelations of light seem to come most often in places of mystifying darkness. And life seems to flourish most plentifully out of deathly wounds. Out of the depths, God speaks.
The Next Step Christian Coaching 