Leading & Learning

A short time ago I decided that I needed to really nail down God’s purpose for me. I think the final motivational straw came as my small group was going through Gospel Journey Maui and we found ourselves, a group of mostly middle(+)-aged folks discussing our purpose in life (or lack thereof).  Interestingly, many of these folks were still searching too – even though most of them had already lived a half of a century!

Not coincidently, I ran across a book that had been sitting on my bookshelf. I have no idea when I got. I have no idea where I got it. But boy was it an answer to prayer!

So I dug in to Max Lucado’s The Cure for the Common Life. Lucado does a great job referencing plenty of Scripture and I like his simple writing style. So far I have taken the time to be sure to look up the verses and read the notes in my study Bible too. This isn’t the most efficient way to get through the book, but I like the rhythm and it has allowed me some great study time.

Today I was reading about why/how we should “applaud God loud and often.” Lucado referenced David’s prayer of praise in 1 Chronicles 29. It’s beautiful. But I couldn’t help going back to chapter 28 and diving into the whole story.

David was basically getting ready to hand over his crown to Soloman. In chapter 28 he makes the announcement in front of a crowd (and God, of course).  And in the midst of his speech he is sure to be very specific about what Soloman needs to keep as his “main thing.”

…be careful to obey all the commands of the Lord your God. …learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind.

And then, as if he knew Solomon would be overwhelmed with the responsibility, he quickly adds:

The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong, and do the work.

As the story continues, David takes it upon himself to do everything in his power to setup Solomon for success. He gathers all the materials and gold and silver. He gives all of his own private treasures and then calls the crowd to give sacrificially as well. All the while he continues to encourage Solomon to be strong and to trust the Lord.

David demonstrates how to worship through is prayer of praise. Solomon, as well as everyone there, is left with no doubt about pure worship! But at the end of all this he offers up a final prayer, this time for the people.

…make your people always want to obey you. See to it that their love for you never changes.

See a theme here?

• Obedience
• Worship/Praise
• Trust
• Love

I may not ever really understand the specifics of my role here on this earth. Or perhaps during those moments when I do get it I may become discouraged or afraid.  In any case, the Lord has used His Word to once again remind me of what must come first… and last.

There it was. Sitting right on the kitchen table when I came downstairs to get breakfast. His cap and gown and “keepsake” tassle!

I can’t even believe that my son is graduating from college! I am so proud of his achievement. His journey over the past few years has taken him down some crazy roads, but he set his mind on prioritizing the value of getting a college education and stuck with it. His determination and persistence inspires me and I truly believe that this experience has created a man who will be a loyal, creative, hard-working professional.

He has had plenty of opportunities to give up and go a different direction. But he chose to personally sacrifice in order to make this happen. Wow! Along the way Rick and I have encouraged him to make decisions on his own and for his own reasons and this hasn’t always been easy for him. But he worked through it and he is now an AMAZING man of character!

I have to admit, I will be the proudest mom ever as I see my kid grab ahold of that college diploma. I know that he has beat the odds. And he is also the first one in our families to hold a bachelors degree!

But what excites me most about this is what comes next… watching him enter the marketplace, seeing him apply his incredible gifts (he is a great writer and also has a talented “eye” for capturing a unique angle from behind a camera), witnessing new relationships being developed, seeing him step into complete independance. What a remarkable season as a parent!

Congratulations TJ! You’ve worked so hard. Dad and I are so incredibly proud of who you are and what you’ve accomplished! We can’t wait to see what God will do in your life next…

xxxooo