These past few months have been ones of transition. A transition from not working at all, to working part time. Continually transitioning to life here in Chicago. Finding a church to call home, meeting new people, getting more involved. This past month, I've been trying to figure out how to live actively both physically and emotionally. How to fit exercise and time with God into life. I cringe when I think I need to "fit" God into my life. Shouldn't my life be revolving around Him? Shouldn't I be fitting my life around God? How can I do that?
These past few months, I've started working at a cafe. Temporary. Very temporary. I continue to look for jobs each day, but hey, the bills are coming in and someone needs to work around here. (kidding, the hubby works very hard!) It's a very easy and relaxed job, but my heart's not there. My husband (what would I do without him??) reminds me to be grateful I have other options; at least I have a degree and am not at a dead end! For some, this is the end of the road. How depressing. So, Thank You Jesus for a degree!
Anyways, to the original point. Every morning, I hop in my car and drive up Western, dodging traffic, and praying my wheels won't fall off from the potholes that seem to jump out at every corner. I try to arrive 15-20 minutes and in the cool concrete parking garage, I sit and pray and read my bible. I don't think I've ever consistently read my bible as much as I am now and am determined to continue the habit. I can't say I've had amazing conversations with the Lord, but slowly, my heart's opening up. I read and find comfort, challenge, and wisdom (duh, right?). Last year, our church gave us a calendar for reading the Bible the entire way through. The thing I like is that it's not just one book of the bible - you read one chapter of three books of the bible at the same time. Of course, I'm way off on the calendar timing, but having a source to methodically go through instead of opening it at a random spot gives me more direction and understanding.
Yesterday, I read Luke 8 - the Parable of the Sower. It talks about a seed (bible) landing on the path, in the rocks, in the thorns, and in good soil. Of course, the one on the path were trampled and eaten by birds. The one in the rocks came up but withered and died with no moisture. The one in the thorns grew, but got choked by the thorn plants. The one in good soil, of course, grew and thrived. Jesus explains that the those on the path hear the Word, but the devil comes and takes it from their hearts so they can't believe. Those in the rocks receive the Word but have no roots to continue to believe in times of trouble. Those in the thorns hear and receive the Word, but are choked by life's worries and riches, thus not maturing. Those on good soil hear the Word, retain it, and persevere.
I think I have a tendency to be towards life in the thorns. I get worried and frustrated with life's troubles that I forget to persevere and rely on God - I want to take the wheel! (or at least hold it). It's a challenge for me not to be in charge. But, I'm grateful I have a God who knows exactly where I want and need to be, when that will be, and where I will be. All I need to do is listen, and given strength to pursue His will! (easier said than done).
So peeps, where do you land? On the path, in the rocks, the thorns, on in good soil? How do you get from the path, rocks, thorns, to the good soil?
The never ending quest!
