So…It is about time for me to learn some things. For me to get to the next step in the things God has been trying to teach me for a long time now. It is almost month 8 on this race and I am struggling to grasp a hold on lessons I have been learning before this race even started. I think that happens to a lot of us, you know? We have trouble growing because we stay in the same place for way too long. That won’t be me, not any more. The Lord is calling me to more than that. And I refuse to still be the person who is just not getting it.
Lesson one: Dedication, Commitment, and Discipline.
It’s been a long time coming on this one friends. I’ve been trying to learn this since the first time I rolled over in bed and told my alarm clock “No!” despite the commitment I had made for that day. The Lord is calling me to dedicate myself to my commitments and that takes discipline. NOBODY likes to be disciplined. But here I am welcoming the Lord to discipline me and He has brought up some very interesting ways to do so on this race. I’m learning people, slowly but surely I’m learning to follow through in every aspect of my life and not leave things unfinished.
Lesson two: Enjoying the trip.
I am a fantasizer, a day dreamer if you will. I am constantly imagining how the next awesome thing I’ll do is going to be. The good thing about it is that awesome things do happen in my life because I keep the goal in the forefront of my mind. The bad thing is that sometimes I lose sight of the trip getting there and that’s the best part. I have all of these memories of going on field trips when I was younger but the thing is I don’t ever remember the actual trip… I remember the bus rides. We would sing songs, and play games, and have these deep philosophical 13 year old conversations that I have never forgotten. I don’t remember anything about that museum. I often confuse life as something that will happen once I… or When I… or after I… but that’s bologna because life is happening right now. I mean are we not living our lives yet? We are, and I want to live my life as such.
Lesson three: Be Honest.
Here’s some honesty: I am not always honest. I lie to myself and convince myself of things that aren’t true ad I justify myself in deceiving others because it may be for their own good. That’s dumb. It is a simple truth that God expects truth out of us. I think we sometimes think deception and misleading is ok because it’s not “technically” lying… but that isn’t true. That’s a lie also. I want to be genuine, with myself ad with others. I don’t want to believe lies or allow those around me to.
Lesson four: Take the time.
Time with Jesus is so important. Some of that good prayer, worship, and listening time has really grown me into who I am and what decisions I make. Being with the Lord is how I feel close to Him. Being with the Lord makes me feel like I can do anything like I can get through anything. Prayer changes things too, man. Like, I’ve seen it. I spend time in fervent prayer and the Lord moves because His word says He will. I spend time worshipping with every bit of my being and I feel so filled that I am pouring love out on everyone. So what’s the problem with all this you say? I don’t always do it. Sometimes I show up to my prayer time half asleep or I go without out worshipping at all. And yea, I spend time talking to the Lord and in communion with Him all day… But there is something real to be said about the intimacy and depth that can only be achieved when it’s just you and Him alone. It’s like any relationship you know… They go deeper when it’s just the two of you together.
Lesson five: Forget your feelings
I am pretty feelings driven. You’ll hear me say “ I don’t feel like it” “ I feel like something’s wrong” or “ I’ll let you know when I understand how I feel” That’s cool and all we are all different and if the Lord leads me through my feelings then Glory Be, Its just dangerous when I start making decisions because I don’t feel like it. God is also calling me to push through discomfort and endure regardless of my feelings.
So these are just some things that the Lord has been teaching me on this race and just generally throughout my life. The thing is God always has a lesson for us but He won’t overwhelm you by taking you to the next one before you learn the one in front of you. I’m ready to move to the next step in bringing quality to my life and depth with the Lord… so for me I’m studying hard, staying after class, getting a tutor, and doing whatever it takes to master these lessons at a level the Lord would be pleased with to take me to the next level.
Glory to God that He never stops teaching us no matter how good or bad of students we can be.
Peace.Growth. Healthy living.
Alyssha
