I was deeply impacted by John’s post yesterday. Maybe because I’m in the valley of death right now, I see serving in a whole new light – as a gift of serving to the one who serves.
My days are a battleground at the moment. I never know when the next hail of thought-arrows will strike, shattering my focus with demands for nicotine. At this point they are more of an annoyance than a crisis, but if I indulge even one then all bets are off. I’m quickly learning that it’s futile to “fight” myself, because then my focus is on me and it’s all over.
When I get low and serve, it’s not about me. It’s about someone else. When I surrender to serve, I am instantly rewarded with freedom from ME. It is a gift of freedom and joy, and one that I’m enormously grateful for today.
And it’s more than a distraction from my woes at work here. I experience a literal transportation out of my self – my shouting, insatiable self – and into the sanctuary of God. I feel both loved and loving, and my burdens lift. I am able to be in the moment effortlessly, and my mind is at peace.
Such a funny thing! I embrace getting low and I fall in Love – literally. This is one of the aspects of God that I just adore: His hidden gems. I discover gifts and rewards and blessings hidden all around and within my life, and rarely where I expect to find them.
Ephesians 6:6-8 HCSB
Don’t work only while being watched, in order to please men,
but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart.
Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men,
knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free,
he will receive this back from the Lord.
I read a helpful piece in Jeanne Guyon’s Autobiography in regards to dying to the pleasures of the flesh. She stated that giving any place to the flesh while dying to it’s pleasure over a thing is like giving a man sentenced to die by starvation just a little food every now and again to ease his suffering only prolonging his agony and keeping alive that which is condemned to die. (not exact quote) She goes on to tell of how she denied herself of “that certain pleasure” until it had no more power, desire or life in her. She… Read more »
This is an amazing post! God works in ways that will never fail to surprise you. If you’ve done your best and still failed, just when you thought you can’t go on, He will reward you for your hard work and will help you move on. Have faith in Him and trust him with all your heart. 🙂
He is truly the Hidden Gem that makes all other distractions futile. He’s got so many treasures to share! I think the “timing” you talked about the other day has to do with this. It seems He came to touch one of your distractions at this particular time, for you to enter other treasures.
Becouse (this you already know well) smoking is not about smoke, and quitting smoking is not about quitting smoke entering your lungs.
Love!