I Don't Mean To Brag But...
Awoke before 11 a.m...Still on West Coast Time. (Or, another excuse.) Unpacked my suitcase. Then did two loads of wash. Put them in the dryer. Then folded the laundry and put them away.
How's that for a good day's work?!
See why I bragged?!
OK. Maybe I need to set some loftier goals. But I'm trying to be more realistic and take some stress off my driven self. You see, I'm a list maker, even if most of it gets moved to tomorrow's list. Updating lists is a daily challenge. But challenges are good for us. Right?
Well, for a few weeks I've felt unwell, as you learned in my last post. So I've started appreciating accomplishing one thing, taking one step, one less nap, and focusing on breathing and trusting God with my lists, most of which remain undone
It's not easy setting priorities. You know, taking a step back before taking a step forward. So I want to share with you the prayer I shared with Heather and a group of her friends in California. It was a sweet time at a German pub with warm homemade pretzels and other goodies. Delish!
This is the prayer Jud and I prayed when we were leaving Gordon College in 2011. It was written by Eugene Peterson in Praying with the Psalms, January 4th reading. We also prayed it when Jud was dying. And now it is my prayer as I faith some new challenges in body, mind and spirit. They're all connected. So, as you look back and ahead, maybe it's a prayer for you, as well.
"God of all beginnings and all endings, I bring all my unfinished business to you---everything that I started and couldn't finish, all that I began but lost interest in, all that I began in hope and quit in despair. Make finished work of all of it, by your grace. Amen "
So, dear family and friends, whether you feel stuck, are off running, or taking it one small step at a time, like I am, it's good to remember that, for no earthly reason, God cushions, comforts and continues a good work in us through Grace.
And like that great hymn, Amazing Grace, reminds us, "Grace will lead us Home."
So, my shortened list for the remains of this day reads: 1. Trust 2. Fear not 3.Rest
But, I'm not bragging!
12 Comments
Jan, We are all on a journey home, checking off the To Do list we prayerfully created. This moment is all we have to point others to him. Robert Wolgemuth made his journey home last week. Finished the race. Arrived safely home. ❤️
Oh, dear Toni, we are all on various legs of our journey to our Real Home. We were good friends with Ken and Sharon Wolgemuth, when we lived in Michigan. I met Robert Wolgemuth and his company published my first book, The Hungry Heart. Are you a Taylor Alum? Thank you for taking the time to read and respond. To stay focused on what matters most, is part of my daily prayer. Not easy, but possible with the help of God's Spirit.
Jan,
I am enjoying Hungry Heart again now. I graduated from Lee College in 1980 and later from Southern University for Business. Dr. Paul Conn was a psychology teacher back then and his father, Dr. Charles Conn was President. Great memories.
Oh, dear Toni, I love Paul and Darlia Conn!! And I've always enjoyed times I was at Lee Unmiversity. Paul would've been a great teacher. He was a wonderful President and speaker. Full of wit and wisdom. And Darlia could play that piano! What a team!! Thanks for pulling the Hungry Heart off the shelf.
Hi mom,
its your granddaughter Poco on her school Chromebook. I just found your blog! I'm so glad that you are back from Cali, love you tons! <3
Hi mom,
its your granddaughter Poco on her school Chromebook. I just found your blog! I'm so glad that you are back from Cali, love you tons! <3
Hi momo,
its your granddaughter Poco on her school Chromebook. I just found your blog! I'm so glad that you are back from Cali, love you tons! <3
WooHoo! IT REALLY IS YOU, precious Poco!! I'm thrilled to see us connected in this way. And I am happy to have been in California, and also happy to be back home. I hope to see you and hug you soon. I write to you on my Chromebook, as well. Hope your day goes way better than you may have anticipated, depending on how much homework you got done before falling asleep.
I'll love you forever and then some!! Your Momocita
I followed Nancy and revive our hearts for several years. Then read several of Robert’s books when he married Nancy. Then followed his story on Caring Bridge when he had melanoma and another cancer several years ago. No personal connection, but he was well known and I knew Nancy (not personally) from when Gateway to Joy and Elisabeth Elliot ended and Revive your Hearts started.
Thank you, dear Toni, for the update. I knew Ken and Sharon Wolgemuth well. Such a loving family.
So sorry you're still not feeling well. Love how you still make us all laugh though! And help us pray! I totally agree with "Updating lists is a daily challenge"!! Haha - if I don't write it down... well, it probably won't get done. Glad you're allowing yourself smaller, more realistic tasks to accomplish - good for you! Much love!
Well, dear Wendy, some days are just list-less. And that's good, too. Thanks for your prayers and love. I'm feeling better. More energy than yesterday.