There are warning signs in our lives that we have moved off our purpose.
A couple of those signs are …
Planning to do it tomorrow. Sometimes I get a great idea. Yes! I’ll do that tomorrow. Sometimes I see something that I really need to do. Yes! I’ll do that tomorrow. Sometimes I’m prodded about a mission of mercy. Yes! I’ll do that tomorrow. Tomorrow promises a rich and full life, does it not?
Another sign is the loss of joy in the journey. I love that phrase — “joy in the journey.” I believe I first heard it from a Michael Card song.
There is a joy in the journey
There’s a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obey
This has been my warning sign. Loss of joy in the journey. My purpose is muddled, mish-mashed by an array of urgent responsibilities many of which I don’t like. From many of which I don’t receive a sense of fulfillment or validation. So I have pushed my way through, like a highway truck without the snow plow, in an attempt to accomplish the tasks that are necessarily a part of my life.
From the first, I had begun this blog with the very firm conviction that I would not dwell upon the dark, whisper my whines, or lament life. I have come to see that this is a noble but unworthy, unrealistic thought. For each of our lives veer into darkness, dip into whines, and sometimes delve into lusty laments.
What in me wants to hide that from you? At first, it was truly a desire to be an encouragement by sharing the uplifting parts of my life. Later, it became a stubbornness to be transparent. Two extremes, same result.
But how can you know the highpoints of what God is doing with me if I fail to reveal the low points? And how can you believe me to be real if my life sounds like a fairytale? Rest assured, I don’t want to be a melancholy momma. But I also don’t want to be a flibbertigibbet. (Ok, confession. I just learned that word and had to use it…isn’t it great?)
Back to “joy in the journey” . . .
I think I’m finding my way again…I see snippets of joy in my journey.
havenlife
Welcome back to the blogging scene, Linda. I’ve been wondering where you’ve been.
We all have are times when we need to whine and lament and moan until we feel better. You are allowed, we all are.
Thanks Laura…
Doesn’t life just happen?
That’s where I’ve been.
I know that picking up just before the holiday season is a risky thing … but where’s the fun if there’s no risk? (As if I’m some great adventurer!)
Thanks for checking in on me occasionally!
I just found your blogs again today. Have been missing them. The message in this one fits me perfectly. I am in charge of an event at our church to be held on the 16th and 17th. I am beginning to feel extremely stressed and overwhelmed by all of the tasks that remain to be completed. I thought I should ask my fellow Christians to pray for me. But if I do that, that will mean I must admit that I am not always the strong, stalwart, in-control individual they believe me to be. So, do I really need their prayers? I have realized that not only do I really need their prayers, but I also need to humble myself, put my “pride” aside and realize that I can do none of this without Christ’s power and grace working through me. So, tonight I will request prayer and know that my request will be lovingly taken to HIM. Thank you for sharing.
I think it’s great that you’re asking for prayer … I will certainly do so. It’s OK to ask for help too! Maybe there’s some hidden talent in your midst just waiting for a wonderful mentor like you to come along side…thanks for your encouragements! Love ya.