Journaling

We become what we receive

Posted on by MSFriend

Sometimes I like to listen to my iTunes playlist while I’m driving and this morning was no different. It was a glorious morning – sun shining, warm and God showing off his masterpiece through the fall foliage.  On days like these I like to listen to, what I call, “feel good” music.  Songs that lift my spirit even further. For me that’s James Taylor or Christian singer Chris Tomlin. If I’m feeling more “Zen-like” then its Snatam Kaur (I actually like to listen to her while I journal).  Today James Taylor was my choice.  At one point in my travels his song, Shed a Little Light came on.  As I listened to the message of the song, I began to think about how my life has changed and how keenly aware I’ve become of my role in “this place” and what really matters.

The thoughts started flooding my mind.  As I organized my thoughts, I realized that the closer I draw to God and the more I focus on my relationship with Him, the more my tastes change.  What do I mean by this?  My taste in entertainment, extra curricular activities, clothing and people changes.  For example, in the past I could listen to all kinds of music – hip-hop, rap, rock, soft-rock, classic rock – you name it, I’ve listened to it (including the uncut versions). Very rarely did I listen to any Christian tunes, although I was “practicing” my faith.  I could watch any type of television program – comedy, drama (full of foul language, nudity and violence), reality, etc. Although I preferred a classic wardrobe, I would deviate once in a while to purchase the latest fad.  When it came to people I surrounded myself with, I very rarely paid attention nor did I really care to notice the effect someone’s energy had on my life.  Extra-curricular activities usually involved going out for drinks with friends.  I’m noticing lately that all these things no longer sit well with me.  Continue reading “We become what we receive”

Unity and Variety

Posted on by MSFriend

Today I opened the bible to 1 Cor. 12:1-11.  As I pondered the message, I felt relieved.  It dawned on me that I presently experience a sense of freedom as a result of my daily spiritual practices and this passage expresses a concept I recently came to grips with.  Let me explain.

I have spent many years of my life striving for perfection. I worked hard at my studies to obtain perfect grades, to make it to the top (society’s definition of success), I did all I could to be the perfect daughter, wife, friend, sister, aunt & Christian, just to name  a few.  I wanted to be good at everything – cooking, cleaning, baking, exercising – and I wanted to do it all! Looking back, I realize that my effort was an exercise in futility!  Who was I kidding?  Not only is seeking perfection NOT my purpose, it’s just not doable.  We, as humans, will NEVER be able to meet our own expectations, let alone someone else’s!

I have to admit, for many years my life was spent in competition. I felt like I had to be better than everyone at everything, but that was my ego holding me captive.  I can’t remember exactly when I had the epiphany, but one day I decided to give up the fight.  I realized that I wasn’t, nor did I have to be, better at anything.  I have been blessed with my own gifts and talents, which no one else in this world possesses and it is my job to discern what they are and use them to the best of my ability.

I believe, this scripture passage is telling us just that – don’t try to be something you’re not, don’t try to be like someone else – if you are, you’re wasting the gifts and talents that only you possess.  Paul tells us “to each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.” In other words, use YOUR God given gifts, they were given for a purpose.  Focus your attention on what that purpose is, instead of focusing on being someone you weren’t meant to be.

Acknowledging that I don’t need to do it all, that I don’t need to be perfect, has provided me the time and space to discern my purpose in this life.  It has given me the opportunity to be truly present and aware whatever the circumstance.  What a blessing- it’s like putting on a new set of eyes and ears!

What can we take away from all this?  We are all unique beings.  In our separateness we represent variety, but it is only through our UNITY that we can attempt perfection!  We are being called to perfection, united in one Spirit! God bless you!

P.S. – As I was surfing the web looking for good messages and sites to share, I stumbled upon kindspring.org, a site dedicated to spreading kindness.  Check it out, become a member, take a challenge, share and earn some smiles and karmabucks!  It’s very encouraging!  Great for kids!