I truly believe in the power of positive thinking. I love to write to encourage, but that doesn't mean I don't have struggles. I want to be challenged in the areas where I am lacking. Challenge means that I examine my life and consider my weaknesses-- that doesn't feel good. Challenge means that I recognize the areas I need to grow in, even when I feel like I am doing just fine. Community, (whether it be blogging, church, MySpace, family, school, etc.) has allowed me to seek wisdom from the people in my life, and learn from them. God uses people to build us up. We need each other, regardless of how together we think we are. I am thankful for challenge.
God's plan works best when we allow people of all different kinds to work in our lives. It is wise when we use our different gifts to work as a team. I am naturally a person who loves to smile and encourage people with positive words. I try to always look at the bright side. It brings me joy. But I am weak in many other areas, which is why it is important to have many different types of people in my life who will keep me in check, and keep me well-rounded.
I am weak in theology, I can't quote verses and I have the hardest time remembering the order of books in the bible. I have a bad memory and I forget birthdays! I suck at math... I hate science... I am weak in expressing my feelings... my patient husband is helping me to learn to let it out. I don't feel like the smartest kid in class... but that just means I have so much to learn from everyone else. I am very disorganized, I cry because I miss people, I am a very messy cook=) And believe it or not, I am very stubborn.
You won't see me write about this too often, because like I said, I enjoy focusing my heart and mind on the positive side of things... it just makes me feel better on the inside. My hope is to brighten your everyday... not burden it. Let's get together for coffee if you want that =)
Back to what I was saying.... this is why I am so grateful for community and the people in my life. I am grateful for my husband, who challenges me to be a better wife. I am grateful for my small group who challenges me to be a better christian. I am grateful for my family who challenges me to always do my best. I am grateful for the stranger who challenges me to be a good person even when the people who know me best aren't around. I am grateful for my professors who challenge me to be a better writer and have an open mind. I am grateful for people who are way stronger in certain areas than me, so that I can see the areas I can improve. I am grateful for people who get on my nerves, so that I can learn patience and acceptance.
Life would be so boring without all different kinds of people. Every person is precious in his sight =) Don't ever forget that.
Bottom line: It is good that we are all imperfect. We know we need Jesus, but we also very much need each other. It is good that life is a challenge, and it is good that we always remember to help each other along the way. No matter who we are, or what we believe, no one has all the answers. Let's learn to have an open mind and an open heart, especially to the people we don't agree with.
Everyone has something valuable to contribute in our lives-- everyone. As corny as it sounds, we are all in this together. No matter how good we are at what we do, there are many people who have helped us get there.
2 comments:
My love, I am challenged everyday and though I do not like to be I too find the beauty in being challanged. I'm glad you challenge me and I hope I challenge you at times!
Reading this post it made me think of how our friendship is challenged. We have been best friends for 15 years, and at least 13 of those have been from 2,000 miles away. Wow! How many people can say that? We are challenged because we have our own lives and we don't have time to talk, write, email, blog, or Myspace very often. But I've noticed that whenever I do get to talk to you, it's like no days passed since the last time I talked to you. How amazing is God for blessing us with this kind of friendship? I know that I don't have this kind of relationship with anyone other than my sisters or mom. That to me is so special. I consider you my friend, sister, role model, and hero. I look up to you and the Christian woman you've become and I am so proud. I love you so much and miss you every day. I know the days we spend together are precious and will always be in my memory. Thank you for the challenge we face at staying in touch and being friends. It is one of the best blessings God has given me. I know there are many other challenges I face every day, but I face them as a Christian and I know I will get through it. Always remember you are beautiful inside and out and your smile is so beautiful. I love you and I will see you in less than 2 months!
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