As I move into the next decade of my life this month, I’ve done a lot of reflecting on what I’ve done so far. It’s nice to think back on the things I’ve accomplished over the last 30 years.
Normal stuff like graduating from high school, getting married, having children.
Career stuff like working my way up to restaurant manager before realizing that wasn’t where I needed to be, making the big decision to focus on my writing, going the extra mile by attending the ACFW conference.
And not so normal stuff—surviving surgery at 2 days old, growing up with little evidence of physical disability (and no mental disabilities), surpassing everything the doctors ever said, adjusting to life with diabetes/high blood pressure.
Lately, I’ve felt like my life has reached a point where it’s not going to change much for the next several years. A rut as some would call it. I don’t feel like I influence much beyond the inner circle of my family. That’s not a bad thing, don’t get me wrong. But I just have this big faith that wants to set the world on fire—to get out there and DO something. Then that fire dwindles to an ember because I tell myself that I have responsibilities—kids, a husband, a home, the military. Like I can’t have it all.
But there’s good news. God is bigger than me! God is working all around me. I have to be open to both the BIG and small ways. I’ve said it before on here (and we all know how good I am at taking my own advice), but if you want to change the world—start with one person, one act, one choice.
I’m turning 30, and I don’t feel that I’ve made my mark on this world. But—who cares? I am only 30, and it’s not like I have one foot in the grave. I’m still young. Yes, I might have limitations because of my family (whom I adore!), but that doesn’t mean that God can’t use me in BIG ways.
So, this year, I’m pulling my head out of my self-centerness, and opening my eyes to all the possibilities. A good friend of mine, Kimchi, told me before I moved to Hawaii that she knew that God was going to use me in BIG ways while I’m out here. I, of course, doubted her and said sure, sure. But I’m going to take her words and raise them to the Lord. I am His servant and I want to be used!
Can I get an AMEN?
Ralene’s Beachfest Trivia Question:
What is my favorite color?
AMEN! Happy Birthday :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that you're only 30, sis! You're still a young gal!-lol...I turn the big 40 this year and am still waiting for God to use me-lol...However, I He does use us in the everyday, mundane places of our lives. I even learned I am used the most when I am resting in Him and not striving to be used..if that makes sense...I still stand on what I told you before you left....You are an incredibly talented person with tons of ideas and creativity flowing through that brain...someone out there needs your encouragement and your nudge from them to help them get where they need to be and I know you are the PERFECT person for that. Believe it or not sis, you're blogs have been the one thing to keep me going this past year...so keep doing what you are best at--being Ralene!!:)) (((hugs))) new season, new vision...may god give you the patience to wait for what is"next" each day:)
ReplyDeleteAmen! I love this reaching beyond yourself. I want to be more about this, too! Our faith should not be inward-focused or like some exclusive club! Loving people is HUGE. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd HAAAAAAAAPPY birthday!
Thank you for the encuoragement, ladies!
ReplyDeleteKimchi--YOU are such an inspiration to ME! That's why we make such good friends for each other. :) And hey, until you told me back in Dec, I had no idea you were almost 40. How do you stay so young? ;P
Wendy--You're absolutely right! Our faith is not an exlusive club--it's something anyone can have if they only take that step.