Reflection for Today....thought I'd share since it's been much too long since I've last written. Praying you are all well, safe, and healthy!
God's voice and guidance is heard many different ways....how we listen determines how well we hear it.
Sometimes it takes another person's perspective; an unbiased view to help give us clarity when we're stuck in our personal tunnel vision. Sometimes it can be found in a simple statement- unassuming in its honesty. Sometimes it comes from a two hour conversation, a heart-to-heart, a "come to Jesus" moment. Sometimes the moment of clarity comes quietly and gently, caressing the issue at hand. Other times, it's like a blaring, blinding light that pulls us out of our comfort zone, out of the darkness, and forces us to face a moment of utter, naked vulnerability that is completely terrifying.
This particular moment of clarity came after a two hour conversation with my pastor, and a man I view as a father, and whom I love very dearly. While in this "meeting," I shared parts of my life, my past, my pain, my fears, and my hopes. And despite initial reservations about opening up about so much of myself, I found myself breathing a sigh of relief, as if a massive weight had been physically lifted off my shoulders, my heart, my soul. Throughout this conversation, my pastor shared his professional council, but more importantly, his genuine, fatherly-like love--just for me. I came to this realization....
Despite the pain I (we) endure in our lives, the trials I (we) have overcome, God has a greater plan; even when we just can't see it. A greater plan that I (we) am not always capable of understanding or accepting at the time. My (your) testimony spans my (your) entire lifetime; and is not even about me (you), but rather about God.
When people ask me to share my testimony, I ask them in return, "how much time do you have?"
It would be most ideal of my testimony was simple and could be wrapped neatly in pretty paper and completed with a big, red, velvet bow. However, it isn't like that...not even close. It's full of ups, downs, tears, laughter, mistakes, trials, tribulations, failures, and victories. But more importantly, it's not about me...yes you heard me correctly; it's not about me! It's about God and how my life is proof of His constant Grace, Love, and Mercy...and His Glory.
This level of vulnerability is new for me; and yet, at the same time, is very liberating and freeing. I'm not bound by the pain and mistakes of my past, and I can openly and boldly share it with others..for the glory of the Lord.
So whatever you're currently going through or have endured in the past...let it go and let God take it and make it into something beautiful. Believe me, I know it's easier said than done!! But here's the deal. You can either choose to live life stuck in the past with regrets, pain, anger, fear...(you fill in the blank), or you can choose to see each day as a new chance to love and be loved...and see the beauty God has to share. Which choice will you make??
Until Next Time! <3
