My quest to be extraordinary continues, (referring to the title Not The Same), so with a new year comes a new look, but the title still stands- I want to live a meaningful and victorious life in Jesus my LORD.
Although not so many victories on the weight loss front, I have grown so much in other areas of my life in the past year or so. God has brought me on such a journey of self-discovery in the almost three years since we came to Enjoy Church, and I'm so thankful to HIM for the work He's been doing in me. I turned 33 last week, and confess (not boast, because it's definitely God's amazing power at work), that in the past year I've become more confident, more able to minister to others, even more lovely than I ever thought I could be. But there's so much more than this to be had in God.
Today we farewelled our dear friend Rosa, who passed away last Wednesday -on my birthday- from breast cancer. She was 52 years old. Her funeral was full- our 800 seat church had hardly a seat left vacant. What a woman. She didn't have any great achievements listed against her name, had not started any business empires or benevolent charities. But 800 people turned out today because her short life had touched theirs.
I have known Rosa for only two years, but in that time she was a great blessing to my life. The words spoken today highlighted what was important to her - Loving God, and Loving Others, and have made me want to re-assess my work-life balance. What really matters in life? And how can I make space in my life to ensure I do those things well?
The past few weeks have been extremely busy. With several ministry roles on the go, as well as a full schedule at work, I've found myself with little time or energy to devote to my family. Lord, I know it's time to take stock of what's important in my life. Can it be that it's time to cull things again? I can't even think what I could cut out of my life, but I know somehow I want to make time to be more available- not just for people God sends to me (which I'm pretty good at!), but specifically for those He's already placed in my life. How long since I had a cup of tea with my own Mum? She lives only an hour away. And I want to sow love and real caring into my children. In a few short years they'll be women. Lord, help me to show them the way- what it really means to follow you and love others. Lead me in the way everlasting.
In Him,
