Funny how when you finally act on God's prompting, life makes sense. The things you dream about start to happen and there is inner peace no matter what is happing around you. Another beautiful thing happens, your eye begins to see things as God intended them to be. Let me take you through a journey of the last twelve months of my life. This will be the condensed version.
First, I have been hearing God say to me to write for a lot longer than I can remember. For example, before I went back to school to get my degree in Psychology, I was all set to major in business. After applying and going in to register, I felt His presence and I changed my mind about the business degree. So, I declared an interest in the Psychology program and I have not ever looked back. I am currently in the last semester of my undergraduate degree program. I know that God guided me to this decision so that I would get a lot of practice writing. My confidence in being able to put my thoughts on paper in a way that engages you, my reader, is not great. However, my faith in God to use me to write and create as a witness of His goodness is truly wonderful.
In the same way, when you believe that God loves you for who you are just as you are; you cannot help but grow closer in your relationship with Him. When you are closer to God, you see things from a different perspective. The view is sweet. For example, you begin to forgive others more quickly. There is no need to criticize or judge. You appreciate simple things and all things. You love freely and you want to spend more time finding out how to love more.
Conversely, in this past year, there have been rough spots to get through and roadblocks to maneuver around but all in all those things have strengthened my resolve and my faith. Furthermore, it has been in those times that I have learned to rely on God's strength. In contrast, when I tried to take control it usually ended in misguided selfishness or pride. I mostly ended up feeling bad because I kept doing it wrong or I hurt someone else's feelings.
All things considered, I have learned that when I am honest with God about my inability to solve all my problems or take control of situations that I cannot handle well- He changes my perspective. I hear God better and better each day. It has been in these last twelve months that I write more than ever. Writing is also helping me articulate words verbally. That said, I still have a long way to go. I am praying about speaking clearer, especially to an audience. I know that when I can speak to what is on my heart, it is clear. I love listening to His voice. I love seeing what He wants me to see. I am appreciative of these past twelve months.
Happy Birthday, Mateus! We are celebrating you this weekend, you are precious and sweet and growing up right before our eyes. I love you, grandson.