Lessons from the Year

Hindsight provides a good learning foundation. You can't really know where you are going if you don't examine where you have been. The end of a semester affords a great opportunity for reflection, you know, that whole calm before the storm of finals kind of thing. Below are just a few of the things that reflection today has revealed to me. 

This past year I have learned that:

1. Everyone is human. And EVERY human is created in God's image. No matter where they have been or what they have done, grace is offered them. And His Grace is sufficient for them, for His power is displayed in our weakness. 

2. From that lesson I also learned that grace can be received and with it comes freedom. That freedom is not permission to continue in our destructive ways but freedom from fear. Things that remain hidden (mainly out of fear, anxiety, or shame) foster breeding grounds for the enemy to creep in our minds and distort our thinking, affecting then more than our thoughts but also our behaviors and relationships.

3. Fearing God may be the only type of fear we should have. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

4. Love is a four letter word that is quick to write, a little harder to say, and takes courage to show. 

5. Courage is a discipline.

6. I have never regretted waiting. Obviously there are some things you should not put off, but when it comes to unknown things, surrendering to God and being content with each day knowing that He is at work for what is best, is best and undeniably un-regrettable.

7. We need to look for and treat the cause of poverty, not just the symptoms.

8. Sometimes our instinctual thoughts about people are inconsistent with Jesus'. That person might be using you, but they might just be hungry. Fear keeps us doing nothing. If not fear, then oftentimes disregard. Symptoms may still need attending, it just can't stop there.

9. My complaining, while possibly just petty, has got to stop.

10. It feels really good to swim after a day of classes and work. I need to do it more often...I need to commit to the things I say that I need to do.

11. My grandma and my mom are amazingly strong women.

12. My dad is a tough cookie to figure out but I respect and am growing to understand his thoughtfulness.

13. Trying to walk a life of faith without the commitment to a Church and community of believers may not be impossible, but it certainly robs us of one of God's greatest blessings.

14. God is calling us to more.

15. It is logical in Texas for the weather to go from 90 degrees one day to 38 the next and the sprinklers to run on campus regardless of the temperature.

16. Sometimes it is better to just ask what someone means by what they said, or how they are really feeling. Clarification seems awkward but puts a mind to rest.

17. Peaches and cream oatmeal is very sweet. Vegemite for morning and evening toast will always be necessary. And a hot milo goes really well with a quiet sit.

18. When someone is on your mind, pray for them. You do not have to be specific. God knows the details anyways.

19. It is okay to sit in silence and cry. My car is a good place for this. We do not always "feel" the answers or "feel" like we think we should. I find tears are hard to come by, but when they come, let them out. Out of heart the mouth speaks, but when we don't talk to ourselves, sometimes the responses of our body in the quiet can alert us to heart matters.

20. Time is precious. Time with someone, time for completing our tasks, times of worship, times to wash your car, times to make decisions, times to love. The time is worth it. He holds all time and we will have to account for it. The time is now.