Crazy Love Part 2

Today was an average day.

An average day where I was thinking about my lesson plans, my to-do list, preoccupied by test scores, focused on how I would pay for this and that, aggravated that my roof is leaking AGAIN, thinking about my desire for a family. On this average day, I was completely caught up in myself. To be honest, I didn't consider God that much during the ins and outs of my "average day." On this average day, I forgot that my life is just a vapor.

"Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:13-14

As I went through my day...and finished my day completely stressed out - I came home to reread the second chapter of Crazy Love. This chapter is one that I certainly need, and obviously need continually! I am really enjoying this study, and I enjoy hearing Angie's and Jessica's points of view on their video commentaries each Sunday. So, since today was "just an average day" where I forgot the important things in life...I thought I'd share/summarize/paraphrase/plagiarize a few points from Chapter 2. Maybe you find yourself in the same situation.

Chan tells us that he always considered two kinds of people in life: natural worriers and naturally joyful people. I am definitely a "worrier." I, like the author (and my daddy!), am a problem-solver. I find myself focusing on things that need to be fixed. Some may think this is negativity. Others may think it is optimism - based on the fact I want to FIX it! I choose the latter! Ha! However, in Philippians 4:4, God commands us to "Rejoice in the Lord always..."

Now, don't get me wrong. I am incredibly grateful for the life I have been blessed with. I am fortunate enough to have married my best friend, have a job where I really feel like I am making a difference, am surrounded by supportive friends and family, and I have more than I need. However, when I am caught up in "an average day," I find it hard to "always rejoice." I get down thinking about this infertility journey, I worry about finances, I worry about the future, I get stressed out over school daily... I hear new moms (or veteran moms) talk about how they never have time for themselves anymore and can't watch TV or go out alone. And, I'm thinking, "I wish my life was consumed with those things." All of these things are taking over my thoughts/emotions. I am edgy and on the verge of tears many days. No, I don't mope around having a pity party. But, I do have these feelings when I'm overcome with "the average day." Do you? Do you have days where you just can't get it all done, and when you do...it's not right. The end result of this "average day?" Stress. Worry.

Being consumed with MY life conveys that I think my problems are more important than His command to "Rejoice!" Worry says that we don't think God is big enough or good enough to take care of things. Stress says that we think all these things are important enough to merit our impatience, lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control. Man...that control one really gets me! Oh, and the patience one! I'm sure those of you who teach with me will never guess that! Ha! Yeah right! I do realize that worry and stress, at some point, are just human. Of course it's human to worry about doctor visits and such. But, remember that we are only here for such a brief time. Our big problems are small in the context of God. By releasing these worries and stresses to Him, we are affirming who He is. After all, this life is ALL about God - not me at all! In this "movie of life, we only have two-fifths of a second scene." My two-fifths of a second should be all about God.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Corinthians 10:31

Basically, I need to get over myself!

My part in this "movie" is to bring glory to him. Whether it be checking blogs, grading papers, eating my mac and cheese, or watching the hubby sleep after a long night of call.

"The point of your life is to point to Him. Whatever you are doing, God wants to be glorified, because this whole thing is His. It is His movie, His world, His gift."

I really do encourage you to pick up a copy of Crazy Love if you haven't already. I'm taking it slowly...reading one chapter a week and watching the video commentaries on Bloom each Sunday. Let me know if you pick it up. Or if you're reading, or have read it, leave a comment with your thoughts on the chapter if you like.