The Bible class that Rhonda Lowry came to do with us at Otter this fall did become a slight spark in my mind though.... She really is an inspiration to me. I admire her. I respect her. In many ways I want to emulate the path she chose for her life. I had lunch with her and she has re-ignited a part of me that I had let fall by the wayside. Not sure exactly what that means for me just yet, but at least it has me thinking again.
It is hard to explain.... I have been so busy doing other important things that I have lost track of my overall vision for my life. I enjoy the things I choose to do and get great satisfaction and pleasure and re-enforcement from them.... but, at the end of the day, those things are not what make ME me.... Another layer on top of this which adds to the complexity is being a mom. Yes, it is the biggest blessing, but it also makes it really easy to forget what it means to be tuned in to who you are as an individual. Your identity becomes wrapped up in theirs-- which to a certain extent is how it should be..... BUT....
So- as 2009 approaches here are things that have recently surfaced in my head and that I want to address full force:
- Friend: I used to consider myself a great friend. I confess-- I haven't been a good one lately to anyone. It is easy to use the "too busy excuse", but I think my problem has been that I simply forgot how important good friends are-- how much they add to life. I vow to do a better job of calling, writing, making lunch dates.
- Wife: I have THE BEST husband on the planet. I have been with him for almost 17 years now, and I will gladly admit that I respect him and love him now just as much-- or more-- than I ever have. So, why don't I go out of my way to lavish love and praises upon him like I did when we were dating?! Once again, the "too busy (and tired) excuse" could be my option out... but, I know I owe him more than that.
- Mother: Two days a week my kids are both in school. I have not managed to make my life more productive on those days. just more full with other things. When the kids are home, I still feel like I am playing catch up. I want to slow down and just enjoy them. I want to PLAY more with them in 2009. I want to turn off the latest Disney flick and paint and color. I want them to know their Mom thinks they are the most important thing in the world-- not my computer or emails.
- Daughter of the King: I have spent MUCH time doing relationship with God.... In 2009 I want to spend time being in relationship with God-- simply enjoying the pursuit and making more time for Him.
So-- my goals are lofty. But, as 40 looms ever nearer, I am starting to change my perspective on making the most important things the most important things.
This Thanksgiving, I want to thank all the things and people who have opened my eyes to those "important things." I will need to have some accountability and encouragement along the way to keep me on track, and I am sure I will be looking to some of you to help! :)
On a completely different note-- please keep Prentice Meador in your prayers. He has been working with us at Otter and just this weekend has suffered a terrible illness. He was admitted to the hospital thinking he had pneumonia, but it ended up being some mysterious virus that they can't quite figure out. He has had an extremely high fever and his heart has stopped at times. Otter Creek is praying around the clock for his recovery. You can keep track of his progress and leave messages for the family at this blog: http://prenticemeadorupdate.blogspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment