Life…there are a few things we know about it. And there are a bazillian things we don’t. These unknowns are the things that have slowed me down in recent years.
As I began my “family” walk, aka marriage and children, I thought I could control this life. I thought, rather naively I might add, that I could plan or work or study or control what and when and where my family would end up in life.
And it worked for awhile….or so I thought. But all you have to do is read Joni Eareckson Tada’s story, or Elizabeth Elliott’s, to know my idea was ridiculous. The life of a human is filled with “what if’s”….so what if a major accident or trial wasn’t in the cards for me? Then couldn’t I plan and know what life would entail?
Seasons
I was just looking at my Google Analytics, something I don’t do very often for sanity sake. One thing I noticed was the age of most blog readers. The largest reader category was between 25-34 years old. After that age, the stats drop off quickly. Of course, one reason is the lower use of computers after the age of 50-60, but I know it’s mostly due to the changes in life purpose and goals.
Remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting. Ecclesiastes 11:10
There are a few reasons for this change in priorities:
- Discovering that you can’t learn it all, that you’re not invincible.
- Realizing that real-life people need you, yes, more than cyber friends.
- Awakening to the fact that you aren’t going to live forever, so use your time wisely.
I know these sound a bit like shooting myself in the foot as a blogger, but I have to wonder what the best outcome is for me as a blogger, and for you as a reader. What God is showing me can best be summarized from the book of Ecclesiastes. Take time to ponder these points.
- Life is short.
- There is nothing new under the sun.
- Life is all about and for God.
- The excess devotion to books is tiresome.
All things are wearisome; man is not able to tell it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor is the ear filled with hearing. That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:8-9
Live
Life was given to us to live. To live for God’s glory, not our own. So, please use it well! Please read, in print or on the screen, that which edifies and encourages you to grow right where God has you.
There will be twists and turns in your life. Spend time contemplating what God may be teaching you, not looking to another blogger or friend to see what they’re doing. Yes, we can learn from one another, but if we’re spending more time with authors of blogs or books rather than God Himself, we will burn out. He will reveal our need for Him. Don’t underestimate His power to work in your life, or to show you just what He has for you. He might use a blogger’s experience to help you in your own situation, but mostly, the Holy Spirit was given to us as a teacher and guide. Don’t underestimate this gift Jesus gave us as He exited earth!
I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him. Ecclesiastes 3: 12-14
Take Time
Take time to listen to God. Listen for His Spirit. He will instruct you in the way you should go. Listen well. This is one reason I’ve been quiet in the blogging world. I’m trying to listen, to hear how God wants me to spend my time, to be sure I’m not wasting my reader’s time. To glorify Him in all I do.
So will I still blog? For now, I think so. But as I’m listening to God’s still small voice, I hear Him reminding me to take time. Time for Him. Time for my children and grandchildren. Time for my neighbor. Time for real interaction with breathing humans. I know you who are reading this are breathing, yet without interaction and visual input, it’s really hard to truly share life and lessons. For now, I will continue to write, if only for me to process my thoughts and lessons being learned. And if it blesses my children someday, or even you today, I will write until God shows me it’s time to stop.
Thanks for letting me share my thoughts today. Maybe a bit of rambling….but isn’t that what friends are for? And here’s another great song to lift your soul today!
Christ’s Love to you and yours as we enter a busy holiday season. Enjoy life! Enjoy time with family and friends. Take time to love your neighbors. And don’t forget God in the busyness, for He is the true Giver of it all!
In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.
The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
Katelynne says
Beautifully and eloquently written, Terry! This was a very good reminder for me today. I was blessed by your writing…again!
livingabovethenoise says
Thanks again, Katelynne! God is reminding just how precious this fleeting life is, along with those He places in my life. And you are one of them….blessings on you and yours as you seek His will daily.
Arabah says
Terry, there is rich wisdom here and I’m sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening. This message really needs to be heard…by my heart…by hearts everywhere. As you said, the Holy Spirit is our counselor and guide. I wonder if we’ve replaced Him unintentionally? I’ll be praying over this post, sister. Thank you. You are an iron sharpens iron friend.
livingabovethenoise says
Thanks again, for your rich encouragement, Arabah. It truly means much to me! I know I’ve replace the Holy Spirit as I’ve sought my own or someone else’s way, one in which I tried to work rather than rest. There is a time for each and the Sprit guides us to discern those times. Blessings!
Jennifer says
I like this post. :) Probably because it resonates with me on so many levels. One of my first blog posts was called Please Don’t Read My Blog, and the entire point was that no blog or Facebook status or word of encouragement we will ever read can replace the “one needful thing.” God doesn’t want us to be content with someone else’s spiritual leftovers, no matter how thoughtfully-presented and wonderfully-prepared. You’re wise to strive for balance in stewardship. There’s a constant tension involved, but I suspect that’s how we know we’re heading in the right direction. As we stay close to Him, He will guide us! Thanks so much for sharing this at Grace & Truth.
livingabovethenoise says
Very wise words! Thanks for sharing. I almost wrote a post similar to yours because I worry that others will read my blog thinking they have to do it my way to be successful, or to escape their life or responsibilities. It’s easy to forget about what’s really important to do the ‘easy’ thing and turn on this computer to live vicariously through another person’s life. And then God gets left out of the picture. That tension you mentioned is so necessary. It keeps us on our toes, staying aware that there’s a better way, God’s way! Thanks for encouraging me today.