If we were serious, what would we do? I wonder.
Whether being a better athlete, planning our diet, managing our finances, improving as a hunter or fisherman, minimalist backpacking, wilderness winter camping, executive development, or any other specialty what would we do to incrementally improve? I wonder.
Would we prioritize our life around our major goals? Would we schedule time for this in our busy lives? Would we say no to many other things? How would we handle distractions and moments of procrastination? I wonder.
If we didn’t reach our goals or were off track, what would we do? Would we honestly expect going it alone or would we seek out a mentor, coach, guide, advisor, consultant, or someone with the experience we desire? I wonder.
Do we even have a major goal that we are striving for? How do we prioritize growth, family, community, employment, self care, investments, possessions, appearance, health, nutrition, exercise, vocation, and faith? What an overwhelming challenge we face. Is it too much? I wonder.
If we were serious wouldn’t the evidence of our past choices convict us? Is now the time to reconsider our future decisions? Would we deeply desire a reconversion closer to Gods will for our life?
Is it possible that we have normalized being over scheduled and addicted to prosperity and control? I wonder. Would an outsider see us any differently than the rest of unchurched and unfaithful peers? It’s humbling to think it could be true. It may be honest.
I have good news. In fact great news. We are in perfect position for desperately needing a savior. What a grace. I wonder if we could be well suited to seek Gods assistance more in our life. If anything, we can be united in the Holy Spirit to come into our lives to restore our baptismal relationship with Christ. It comes at a cost though. We must seek Gods guidance to begin letting go. Yes, letting go of our need for control and addiction to worldly comforts that fall short of the comfort of resting in our fathers arms.
If we were serious what would we do next? I wonder. Possibly plead to God and contemplate where we can better practice abstinence of control and accumulation. Done well, when we feel the yearning to make short term comfort decisions we will instead find ourselves turning to God instead. Thats what recovering addicts, alcoholics, gamblers, binge eaters, compulsive shoppers, and porn consumers do. Can we humbly admit that we are quite the same but with different unhealthy attachments?
I’m serious. Are you? Here is a thought to consider. Palanca. A lever. If you have been on a retreat before you may have heard this word. It works like this. In our intentional turning from something habitual or unhealthy, n our longing and unsettledness, we turn to God on our spiritual knees. We are close to Him in this moment. We listen then we plea. We plea not for ourselves or for our fulfillment but instead for others. Yes, love God and love others. We refrain from selfish desires. We pray for the Holy Spirit to arrive abundantly. We pray earnestly for conversation of heart. We trust in miracles. We listen. We love. We refrain from some comfort. God shows up or at least we begin to notice God more. Lives are transformed.
Would we be willing to try this for some time? Possibly a lifetime. From the deep pleading heart of King David’s psalms we reside. In this space we will find Jesus exactly where He has always been. Seriously.
God come to our assistance. Lord make haste to help us. Amen.