true north...
Driving home yesterday from a weekend in the mountains, the responsibilities and concerns of this life came rushing back like a flood. As i debated with myself on the best way to navigate through these turbulent waters, it became clear that streamlining my world might prove a beneficial means of calming the swelling tides. Unfortunately, this is easier said (thought or typed) than done. To make one's life simpler, sacrifice is essential.
At this point I begin to ponder the criteria by which one whittles down the excess baggage of this life. What is essential and what is expendable? A true north is needed. Eternity. That must be my true north. Not pleasure, not love, or success, or material possessions, or people. Eternity.....
Now, this sounds wonderful. Ah, yes, living in light of eternity. Kind of gives your spirit a lift just to ponder the thought. However, as the reality of the practical steps required to achieve this lofty goal sink in, it becomes evident that ease of living is not necessarily one of the initial blessings you will experience as you start down this path of blessing...
At this point I begin to ponder the criteria by which one whittles down the excess baggage of this life. What is essential and what is expendable? A true north is needed. Eternity. That must be my true north. Not pleasure, not love, or success, or material possessions, or people. Eternity.....
Now, this sounds wonderful. Ah, yes, living in light of eternity. Kind of gives your spirit a lift just to ponder the thought. However, as the reality of the practical steps required to achieve this lofty goal sink in, it becomes evident that ease of living is not necessarily one of the initial blessings you will experience as you start down this path of blessing...
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Permalink Reply by Brenda Baker on -
Brad,
You truly have a gift of metaphor. I could not only feel your words of truth, but I could almost see, taste, smell and experience them. It just reminded me of how Jesus talked to his followers. With pictures and words and examples of things they could understand. In the context of their lives. It just made sense.
How are your turbulent waters? Are you still riding the whitewater of the rushing flood? Have you emptied your pack of the expendables, or is it still overstuffed with the excess baggage of this life?
I think God knows how hard it is to stay focused on eternity when we live in the here and now. I think that's why we have the gift of his Spirit and the example of his Son. For the relationship. For the reminder that we are created for a purpose, to do His work on earth. To be used by Him to accomplish His work. I would really like to hear more about your path. Is it rocky, uneven and full of twists and turns? That sounds about right. And yet you called it a path of blessing....there's something in that for seekers and new believers as they try to navigate and find their true north as you called it.
Everyone jump in here and give your thoughts. Ask questions. This really is a great discussion starter.
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