This is one of these posts where I just want to say, "let's meet for a drink" so that we can talk for a couple of hours!
We do place too much emphasis on our individual achievements, when God has something entirely different up his sleeve. And whereas he brings us into situations where we have gifts and can work in a way that gives him glory, it might not be about us at all.
For example, I was in the US Air Force for 20 years. My last year was spent in Iceland without my wife and two teen sons. It wasn't an easy year. However, I reported to a man, Vince, who was probably the first person I had ever worked with that truly "got" me--and was able to articulate it. When I left, he wrote a note to me which thanked me for my: "insight, patience, intellect and moral example." So, is that why God brought me to Iceland, so I could receive a long-needed naming and blessing? Would God do it for only one thing?? When I returned to the states, my wife's comment, a positive one, was that the year in Iceland broke me, humbled me. Was that why I went?
While in Iceland, I befriended several other Air Force men who needed encouragement and direction. Given the time I spent with each of them, I often wondered, even after I returned home, was that the main reason God sent me there...was it for those men??
My best friend during my time there was a 25-year old man (I was 42). We formed a Paul/Timothy relationship and were a great spiritual support to each other. Was he the one that was given to me?
So, yes, you are correct, as in Isaiah 55, God's ways are higher (and different) than ours, whether it has to do with us--or someone else entirely!
That’s an incredible experience. I was actually talking about Iceland yesterday with my brother in law, love these type of divine coincidences. Thanks a lot for sharing and I would love to sit and talk as well. One of my favorite things is sit down in a cafe and chat.
I was actually in Iceland for a day last year, on the way back to the US from Switzerland. My wife got to see for the first time where I lived and worked for a year...where do you live?
Thank you, I think of this often, hoping that in the future, somehow, the art I leave behind will be a blessing to my kids, whether it ever is to me while I am here or not.
"My thoughts are not your thoughts." I think God also says, "My timing is not your timing," and I enjoy how you express that truth here. And where one's "calling" is concerned, Jesus made it very clear that two things always come before any other idea of duty or destiny: love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Taking these two commandments into account, I think it's essential that we evaluate any idea of a calling in terms of whether following that path will help us develop greater devotion and greater love. If so, it doesn't matter what the world thinks of that work. If not, then, even if the world glorifies us, we're missing the whole point.
I often wonder about the parents and grandparents of celebrated people, the ones who certainly had a tremendous role in bringing their children to that point of recognition and yet sit in the background, sometimes without any recognition at all. (Though, to share a fun anecdote, there was once a Microsoft Company Meeting in the late 1980s, when I first worked there, when Bill Gates' father gave an appearance. We all gave him a long, standing ovation after which he said, simply, "I know. If it weren't for myself and Mary, you all wouldn't have jobs.")
Thank you! This was helpful and meaningful to me in more ways than one. When I worked in a hospital, I was behind the scenes helping to save lives. I'll never know how many lives I helped to save, this side of heaven. My writing has felt similar, while some people have told me they have found what I've written to be helpful, I have no idea how many others I may have helped along the way. In this earthly realm, success is often measured in numbers and bottom lines, but those aren't necessarily God's ways either. Sure, he blessed Abraham with material prosperity in his earthly life and with progeny, but David felt ashamed for counting the available men for his army, and God spoke to a lonely, worn out, and disappointed, Elijah in a still small voice. But Elisha saw God's invisible army working behind the scenes, God's ways are not our ways, letting that sink in...........
Thanks, Alex. Personally, when my goals worked for me but not for others (my love ones, my own peace of mind) I had to stop, rethink and change course. I haven't got any sort of real, recognizable legacy to leave behind (except for my pride in my kids and grandkids), but I think that's okay, because when I keep in mind that maybe someone, somewhere benefitted as a result of something I've done, it helps me to be gentle with myself when judging my own worth.
I hope for you that that phone call in the future happens in your lifetime. Mr. Geist is my favourite book but the Paradise trilogy is also movie material. :)
Do you see a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before unknown men.
(Pro 22:29)
We all need goals and achievements in life, and there is nothing wrong with that, but we must get the bigger picture of God's purpose for us as the main goal in life, all else is comparatively meaningless.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
That's quite reassuring! :)
Happy you liked it!
This is one of these posts where I just want to say, "let's meet for a drink" so that we can talk for a couple of hours!
We do place too much emphasis on our individual achievements, when God has something entirely different up his sleeve. And whereas he brings us into situations where we have gifts and can work in a way that gives him glory, it might not be about us at all.
For example, I was in the US Air Force for 20 years. My last year was spent in Iceland without my wife and two teen sons. It wasn't an easy year. However, I reported to a man, Vince, who was probably the first person I had ever worked with that truly "got" me--and was able to articulate it. When I left, he wrote a note to me which thanked me for my: "insight, patience, intellect and moral example." So, is that why God brought me to Iceland, so I could receive a long-needed naming and blessing? Would God do it for only one thing?? When I returned to the states, my wife's comment, a positive one, was that the year in Iceland broke me, humbled me. Was that why I went?
While in Iceland, I befriended several other Air Force men who needed encouragement and direction. Given the time I spent with each of them, I often wondered, even after I returned home, was that the main reason God sent me there...was it for those men??
My best friend during my time there was a 25-year old man (I was 42). We formed a Paul/Timothy relationship and were a great spiritual support to each other. Was he the one that was given to me?
So, yes, you are correct, as in Isaiah 55, God's ways are higher (and different) than ours, whether it has to do with us--or someone else entirely!
That’s an incredible experience. I was actually talking about Iceland yesterday with my brother in law, love these type of divine coincidences. Thanks a lot for sharing and I would love to sit and talk as well. One of my favorite things is sit down in a cafe and chat.
I was actually in Iceland for a day last year, on the way back to the US from Switzerland. My wife got to see for the first time where I lived and worked for a year...where do you live?
I live in Washington DC area, technically Virginia
Thank you, I think of this often, hoping that in the future, somehow, the art I leave behind will be a blessing to my kids, whether it ever is to me while I am here or not.
Absolutely!
"My thoughts are not your thoughts." I think God also says, "My timing is not your timing," and I enjoy how you express that truth here. And where one's "calling" is concerned, Jesus made it very clear that two things always come before any other idea of duty or destiny: love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.
Taking these two commandments into account, I think it's essential that we evaluate any idea of a calling in terms of whether following that path will help us develop greater devotion and greater love. If so, it doesn't matter what the world thinks of that work. If not, then, even if the world glorifies us, we're missing the whole point.
I often wonder about the parents and grandparents of celebrated people, the ones who certainly had a tremendous role in bringing their children to that point of recognition and yet sit in the background, sometimes without any recognition at all. (Though, to share a fun anecdote, there was once a Microsoft Company Meeting in the late 1980s, when I first worked there, when Bill Gates' father gave an appearance. We all gave him a long, standing ovation after which he said, simply, "I know. If it weren't for myself and Mary, you all wouldn't have jobs.")
Thank you! This was helpful and meaningful to me in more ways than one. When I worked in a hospital, I was behind the scenes helping to save lives. I'll never know how many lives I helped to save, this side of heaven. My writing has felt similar, while some people have told me they have found what I've written to be helpful, I have no idea how many others I may have helped along the way. In this earthly realm, success is often measured in numbers and bottom lines, but those aren't necessarily God's ways either. Sure, he blessed Abraham with material prosperity in his earthly life and with progeny, but David felt ashamed for counting the available men for his army, and God spoke to a lonely, worn out, and disappointed, Elijah in a still small voice. But Elisha saw God's invisible army working behind the scenes, God's ways are not our ways, letting that sink in...........
I absolutely love this post. Gorgeous piece.
Just beautiful. Thank you x
Thank you!
Such helpful perspective, Alexander. Listened to the music for devotional this am-so good. Thanks so much.
Very happy with liked both things!
Thanks, Alex. Personally, when my goals worked for me but not for others (my love ones, my own peace of mind) I had to stop, rethink and change course. I haven't got any sort of real, recognizable legacy to leave behind (except for my pride in my kids and grandkids), but I think that's okay, because when I keep in mind that maybe someone, somewhere benefitted as a result of something I've done, it helps me to be gentle with myself when judging my own worth.
I hope for you that that phone call in the future happens in your lifetime. Mr. Geist is my favourite book but the Paradise trilogy is also movie material. :)
Thank you so much for always brining a good message.
Do you see a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before unknown men.
(Pro 22:29)
We all need goals and achievements in life, and there is nothing wrong with that, but we must get the bigger picture of God's purpose for us as the main goal in life, all else is comparatively meaningless.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(1Tim 6:6-8)
Truly one of your best pieces and a much-needed reminder. I agree with you, my friend. All on His time, not mine.
Wow, that is good to know!
Thank you, Alexander! Such a great post! Sooo true! I highly enjoyed reading it.
Love & Blessings!
God bless, very glad!
Thanks Alexander beautiful word, from the bible and for your music.🙏🕊️♥️.
God bless!