Today was probably the coldest day yet of this young fall season. So yes again, waiting for the bus God spoke to me. As I watch my breath hit the cold air and rise I think of the little things, little things that I have been blessed with. A warm jacket, the packed lunch in my bag, a good morning kiss from my loving husband, the fact that I was on my way to a job, and in that moment I realized I have SO much. There are so many that couldn't even afford the Ipod I was listening to let alone the lunch I was carrying. Through out my day God showed me moments of this truth.
On the bus, there is a stop every morning at the food bank and I watch troubled people get their small share of groceries for the week. I feel awkward every time, as I listen to my worship music through two hundred dollar headphones, knowing that they couldn't even think of owning what I have. I feel, so... dirty almost, so ungrateful. I try not to look at them in the eyes because of my shame. I know in my heart that I wouldn't even go out of my way to give any of them a spare five bucks because it would me feel "uncomfortable". Yes, this is an honest confession, and yes, I have been asking the Lord for forgiveness and strength to share His love with others. No excuses, as a Christian I am held to a higher standard to show the world that I am an ambassador of the King.
At work there are usual lulls where the store has no customers and all duties have been completed so you either chat with co-workers or stand and wait for people to come in. So during these times at work, I usually look at our merchandise wishing or lusting after the clothes on the racks. It's not easy not to spend when you work at a nice clothing store.. haha. But today God got my attention. He changed my eyes. As I looked to the shelves for satisfaction I only saw... garbage. Melting filth, because, it all means nothing. It doesn't give me significance, it won't save my soul, make me closer to Christ, it's only and idol. I heard this when visiting with friends, "Life is a wild goose chase, but the goose we're chasing doesn't even exist." This came to mind as I gazed upon the rows of woven status labels. We chase the things that are only going to waste away and yet we are not satisfied. " All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing." (Ecclesiastes 1:8) Things of the flesh. I am so guilty in this. I worship the goose that doesn't even exist even when I know the only thing that brings me true satisfaction. Jesus. He reminded me that this life is the closest thing to heaven that unbelievers are going to experience and that this life is meant to be completely laid down, surrendered, given up for a single purpose. To give glory to the creator of the universe so that on one glorious day I will begin eternity with him. Gah, it makes me tear up. :')
Im reminded of a passage of scripture I've memorized. 2 Corinthians 4. It portrays the things I have been expressing lately. Such powerful words. Praise God for His blessings and constant grace in our lives!
Here's a link to the bible passage.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%204&version=ESV
On the bus, there is a stop every morning at the food bank and I watch troubled people get their small share of groceries for the week. I feel awkward every time, as I listen to my worship music through two hundred dollar headphones, knowing that they couldn't even think of owning what I have. I feel, so... dirty almost, so ungrateful. I try not to look at them in the eyes because of my shame. I know in my heart that I wouldn't even go out of my way to give any of them a spare five bucks because it would me feel "uncomfortable". Yes, this is an honest confession, and yes, I have been asking the Lord for forgiveness and strength to share His love with others. No excuses, as a Christian I am held to a higher standard to show the world that I am an ambassador of the King.
At work there are usual lulls where the store has no customers and all duties have been completed so you either chat with co-workers or stand and wait for people to come in. So during these times at work, I usually look at our merchandise wishing or lusting after the clothes on the racks. It's not easy not to spend when you work at a nice clothing store.. haha. But today God got my attention. He changed my eyes. As I looked to the shelves for satisfaction I only saw... garbage. Melting filth, because, it all means nothing. It doesn't give me significance, it won't save my soul, make me closer to Christ, it's only and idol. I heard this when visiting with friends, "Life is a wild goose chase, but the goose we're chasing doesn't even exist." This came to mind as I gazed upon the rows of woven status labels. We chase the things that are only going to waste away and yet we are not satisfied. " All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing." (Ecclesiastes 1:8) Things of the flesh. I am so guilty in this. I worship the goose that doesn't even exist even when I know the only thing that brings me true satisfaction. Jesus. He reminded me that this life is the closest thing to heaven that unbelievers are going to experience and that this life is meant to be completely laid down, surrendered, given up for a single purpose. To give glory to the creator of the universe so that on one glorious day I will begin eternity with him. Gah, it makes me tear up. :')
Im reminded of a passage of scripture I've memorized. 2 Corinthians 4. It portrays the things I have been expressing lately. Such powerful words. Praise God for His blessings and constant grace in our lives!
Here's a link to the bible passage.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%204&version=ESV
Thanks Beth for your reminder to set my eyes on the unseen. Timely words.
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