The Spirit is moving in me a lot lately. I have so many "resolutions" for this year, and the rest of my life for that matter, but none of them have to do with exercising more, eating better, working harder, or being more organized. Those are good goals, but really,what do they matter in the long run? (Let's face it, folks, when I'm lying on my death bed, it's unlikely I'll be thinking, "I really wish I had lost that ten pounds," and much more likely that I'll be saying something like, "I should have eaten more bacon.")
I want to be so many things that I'm not. True, I'm not organized enough or in shape of enough or frugal enough with my money. I'm okay with it. What I'm NOT okay with is that I live my comfortable little life in my comfortable little house in my comfortable little zone, doing very little to actively love like Jesus. My "resolutions": love like He does, serve like He did, complain less, talk positively about others, reserve judgment, see people for their potential, reach out to the hurting, love like crazy, live for others.
My Abba, help me to love others like I love my Jonah. Help me to love like you love me.
Help me not to take a minute for granted, help me to LIVE and LOVE like you do.
Give me the passion, strength, and courage to be drastic, serve others, to really make a difference.
I want to be different, Abba. I want to be the opposite of what so many have come to hate about "Christians." I don't want to be judgmental, negative, hopeless, hypocritical, or stingy.
Give me ideas, inspiration, and the ability to be who you are calling me to be... to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world.
I want to be water to a dry, thirsty land. A light in the darkness. I want to share hope with the hopeless.
I want to show my little boy what it means to be a true follower of Christ, a disciple. I don't want to be a hatemonger, a fearmonger, or a hypocrite. I want to love unconditionally, serve without expectation, give generously. I want to live like my money is not mine, my things are not mine, my life is not mine.
Please help me to be the wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, and person you call me to be. No more excuses. No more waiting. Your love is overwhelming. The hope you offer is priceless. The Good News is too awesome not to share. I want to love like Jesus. Give me His eyes and heart. Here I am, Lord. Send me.
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I bought "Calm My Anxious Heart" (Linda Dillow), "Crazy Love" (Francis Chan), "Forgotten God" (Francis Chan), and "Radical: Taking Back your Faith from the American Dream" (David Platt) today. I know, I know. I got a little carried away. I don't know yet in what order I'll read them, but I'll try to post as I go along. I'm serious y'all. It's time for a change. Who's with me? (And also, I would encourage you to stop by Waiting for Happy too. I think the Spirit's doing some moving over there too. Thanks for being so bold, Kristy.)
