Maybe I should have written this before Thanksgiving. But I was moved to do so tonight.
As 2016 comes to a close, there is a couple of highlights from this year (including a really neat trip to Indiana) that made an impression. Here's one or two, though, that really hit home.
First and foremost, is the sheer magnitude of God's grace in my life. I've come to realize I needed Him much more than I ever knew. Wow. At times, I can't believe how blind i was before. But God, in his infinite love, allows you to not only see yourself as you truly are, but also as He sees you, wrapped in His love and forgiveness. I've known about this, but really seen/been awakened to His grace in a new way year this year, and I am in awe.
Secondly, and as equally important, is that the raging spiritual battle is real. My eyes were first opened in the fall of 1995 through the writings of Frank Peretti. I admit, I didn't understand what I was reading at the time. But over the ensuing years, my eyes were opened to the battle around us. And I'm grateful for this, because we are not only spiritual creatures created by God, we are part of something greater.
I see alot of this in Mexico to be honest. While I might be a bit partial, sometimes i feel I'm overly blessed here in the States, and a result, more distracted. I have to CONSTANTLY remind myself it's not about how much money i have in the bank (or more correctly, don't), the possessions, but about the grace of God. I find myself constantly battling self.
To be honest, some of God's greatest moments have come in Mexico. Every luxury is stripped away. I'm reminded how much I am blessed, and my heart is constantly moved to see so many trust God for their daily provisions. And where the greatness of God remains, there too are the forces of evil, battling each and every step forward.
These two experiences have brought me to a harsh realization. I fall so short of loving others the way I'm commanded to. I've read it countless times, know what the Scriptures say. I can see Paul's words that without love, it's all a bunch of noise. And yet, I see so many areas where I've fallen short. So many opportunities to show God's love, and I've been blinded - by my bitterness, by my passion to be right, by my arrogance. And all I can do is hear my own noise.
So from gratefulness, I move to resolution. I don't want to stay the same I am today. I have so far to go and may spend the rest of my life climbing this mountain. But it's all about the journey, not the destination.
I believe. God - help me where I fall short.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
P.S. I can't get enough of this song. The melodies, the words, the love. I can't believe I've not worn out Youtube yet lol. I am constantly blessed by Hillsong Music, like I imagine so many others are.
