When I sat down to do some homework today, I found a notepad where I had written some things down back in the beginning of August, and it is amazing how God has even impressed more on my heart about this subject since then. As many of you know, Curt and I lost a dear friend a couple of weeks ago. Through the process of this, God really opened my eyes to many things. And to be honest, He is still teaching me things-even through the hurt. But God's word tells us, "But you do not know what will happen tomorrow! Your life is like a mist. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away." James 4:14
A question He brought and continues to keep bringing to my mind is, "Does it REALLY matter?" I know that sounds quite simple, but when that question is put into the light of different situations, it holds a lot of value. You hear people say, "Life is short" all the time, but do we really stop and THINK about the truth of that statement?
I think many times we are so caught up in situations, our busy lives, our past mistakes, things that people have done to us, ways we can get what WE want...ok, basically we're caught up in US...and if we were real honest about things we could just say, "You know what? I don't care if life is short. I don't care if I hurt someone. Right now, I'm focused on me." That sounds harsh, huh? I thought so too when God spoke it over my heart.
I love this short but truthful quote from R.C. Sproul,
"Right now counts forever."
Make the moments count...and make them count for HIM. Please do not think that since I'm sharing my thoughts about this on this blog that I've got this down pat...Those of you who know me, know good and well I don't. I mess up. I say things I shouldn't. I hurt the ones I love the most. I'm selfish. As a matter of fact, it's real hard for me to sit here and type this blog, because I am so guilty of many of the things I'm writing about. But, here's the best part-I'm redeemed. Although I'm sinful, I am covered in grace. This doesn't give me the right to do what I want, but I want you to understand that when we mess up, as Christians, our Father forgives us...sometimes I require that forgiveness on a minute by minute basis.
"I do not mean that I am already as God wants me to be. I have not yet reached that goal, but I continue trying to reach it and make it mine. Christ wants me to do that, which is the reason he made me his. Brothers and sisters, I know that I have not yet reached that goal, but there is one thing I always do. Forgetting the past and straining toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which God called me through Christ to the life above."
Philippians 3: 12-14
Each year when school starts back, I like to make a few personal goals for myself. Some are things I want to do in my classroom, some are spiritual, some are even physical. August is almost better than New Year's to me because as a teacher, I get to start over. So I thought I'd share just a few of my goals that all go back to the subject of "What matters most".
-Say less...pray more.
-Listen more.
-Treat others like Christ would...even when I don't want to at times.
-Reach out to those in need.
It's a daily battle, but I feel God calling me to do it. The things I should be focused on must be things that hold eternal value...things that bring glory to God...things that make a difference in the lives of other people. That's why we're here...FOR Him...to bring glory TO Him. THAT is what matters the most.
