Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Five Years Later...


Five years ago today I started this blog.  There was much fear and trembling, probably some serious grinding of my teeth.  You see I’d much rather speak than write.  It’s a painful process for me. 

The thoughts and insights that I’d like to share are whirling around in my head, but it’s so much easier for me to tell someone than to write it down.  However, today I actually had a moment to get on my personal pc and noticed that it had been five years since I sent out the first post.  Some years the posts are more sporadic than others.  But it is still a great way to capture some of the things that God is teaching me. Thanks for reading; it’s a gift and a huge blessing to me.

To celebrate here are some thoughts from my favorite story in scripture. 

In Acts 3 the story of Peter healing the crippled beggar is one of my favorite passages to read.  I think God reveals something new to me every time I ponder it.  This time was no different.  In verse 3, the beggar asks Peter and John for money as they are entering the temple.  Money is what he wanted. 

During the Christmas season, I find myself asking the question, “What do you want?” too often.  There are presents to be purchased and I’m not the most creative person.  I ask my husband and my children to make me a list of things they want.  It’s hardly ever anything that they need, but full of stuff that they want.  This is exactly what the beggar in the story did.  He asked for what he wanted, but not what he needed.  He needed to be healed.  He needed to meet Jesus.  He asked for money.

Fortunately for him, Peter and John didn’t have any money.  They had left everything to follow Jesus.  Verse 6 says, “Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you.  In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”  The crippled beggar became a strong, able-bodied believer in Jesus.    

I do the same thing when I talk to God.  I ask for what I want, but not what I truly need.  I want more time, but what I need is to rest.  I want more resources, but what I need is restraint.  I want more patience, but what I need is to love.  What I really need is more of Jesus. 

Happy 5th anniversary!