I’ve been reading a book written by Joni Eareckson Tada and I wanted to share with you all some of the things that I have been learning. I’ve been thinking a lot about my past and I worry a lot about my future and I am so touched with her words about grace.
“God doesn’t give us grace for the future…He doesn’t give me grace for next year’s headaches—or even next month’s heartaches. God only gives me grace for today. He expects me to live this day in His strength, leaning on His wisdom, drawing on His presence and power.” –Joni Eareckson Tada
What awesome truth!
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” –Isaiah 43:18
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” –Matthew 6:34
We are called not to think about things of the past (Isaiah 43:18) and are also called to not think and worry about the future (Matt. 6:34). We must live in “the Now”. Why? Because now is all we have. There is no more important moment than this one…right here, right now! Ephesians 5:15&16 says “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
So often, I am on the treadmill of life. I don’t live in the Now, but instead I am living and running in the future. My days are packed with meetings, work, and getting together with friends. Don’t get me wrong, those aren’t bad things to do with my time necessarily, but I don’t take time to be still…I’m restless. I’m anxious about what’s up next. Man, does it ever get me down.
John 10:10 says that Satan “…comes only to steal, kill, and destroy." Am I going to let Satan steal my present time right now worrying about what might come next?
I love how Joni puts this:
“When you think about it, if our adversary can get us to focus on our past mistakes, wrong turns, and wasted opportunities, he has stolen the present moment from us…If our enemy can keep us occupied with our past or with our future, we lose the grace, blessings, and opportunities in the Now. And when you lose the present moment, in a sense you lose everything.”
I think that is so true. Now is all we have…why waste it with thoughts and worries from the past or the future. Enjoy this moment. Live this moment to its fullest.
“This is the day that the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
-Psalm 118:24
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With that said, I thought I would catch you up with a few things that are going on here at the Glen. It has been really rainy the past several days which, for me, has been disappointing. This weekend is supposed to be nice so I will be spending my free time at Garden of the Gods.
Bookstore hours are long and sometimes they drag by. I work 10:30-6 and I get a lunch break. We often get busy right when a tour lets out or when the EDGErs have their free time. And there are several other conferences that have been going on. When it’s not busy, my boss has me and Alex working on different projects. It’s been really fun and I love working in this bookstore and meeting different people…many of whom are affiliated with the Navigators.
When I’m not working at the bookstore, I normally read in my room. I’ve also had the privilege of joining on some of the EDGE Corps talks. They are really good! This morning I found out that Drew Frazer will be coming to spend a few days with the EDGErs. It doesn’t look like he will be speaking at all, but I’m hoping to talk with him and his wife.
With only a week left, I am trying to think of some things I still want to do while I’m here. I haven’t done any hiking, so this weekend I plan on hiking up to Dawson Trotman’s grave and also hike the “Lady Bug” trail. I’ve heard that both trails have wonderful views of the Glen and of Colorado Springs! Boy oh boy, I’m excited!!
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