stuff learned

Every now and then God opens our eyes or shows us something we haven't seen before. It is an amazing thing that happens far too rarely (for me). It changes the way we think and the way we act, at least for a while. I remember only a few times where I was strongly impacted in that way. I assume that part of it was that I was closer to God at that time than I was at others, though that isn't fact, just conjecture. One particular time, it changed my view of things, it changed my actions. It was great. And even though it was something I knew in my head before, and still do now, the impact it had has dwindled. Maybe that is the norm; it is for me. It is daily work and reminding myself of these truths so that I do them, rather than them constantly so impressing me that I can't help but do otherwise. The latter is easier, and more delightful; but right is right no matter what.

Anyway, I have learned to listen to others when they have those moments. When someone tells me something that has hit them, I try to hold onto it for as long as I can. It isn't often that happens. There really are few people that really talk to me about their devotions, or what God has shown them. Maybe we just find talking about that stuff too preachy. Maybe we aren't consistent enough to talk about it. Maybe we didn't read out Bibles that day.

Note: Grandma is always reading something. And it is an encouragement and prodding for me to make sure I'm reading something. When we see each other, there isn't really talk about the weather and that nonsense. Grandma expects conversation; and I do to. I think I should be able to hold a conversation on these things. We need to have enough to talk about. We need to have stimuli in our lives that force us to think outside our norm. We need articles, or books, or papers, or others that drive us to investigate our own thoughts, or their thoughts. We can't allow ourselves to be content in what we are thinking or have thought. Think new thoughts. (And on that note, stop watching TV. I have been watching some shows, but I am getting more and more frustrated with it again. My time is precious to me. I don't see my wife and daughter enough anyway, and TV is the most logical thing to cut. It does nothing for me. It has/can/does waste hours of my time. I recall talking to others who are so busy they don't really watch TV. Good for them. I am getting there. I'm not condemning it all, just saying that I think it is on too much in the average "Christian" household.) Let me repeat, think new thoughts for you. (Not new as in unorthodox, but do an indepth study on something you never have. When you are reading and you come to that passage you don't really get, instead of saying "Oh, well, I don't have to preach on it so its ok." Remind yourself you might need to explain it fully and correctly to your child some day. Maybe that will help; and yeah, you could fake it to your kid...but is that something you want be doing?

Back on track. I'll wait while you jump back above the "Note" and read the short paragraph again. . .I wish others talked more about their devotions, but then I realize I don't even do it much. I can't ask others to do something I can't even get myself. But, I think it is an integral part of exhortation, and encouragement. Let's talk about the things of God, when we rise up, when we go about our day, when we eat, when we lie down. (I am still trying to figure out an aesthetically appropriate way to hang a half dozen verses on our walls. We don't have frames, and I'm not about to spend a lot to do it...but for some reason I think my wife would be opposed to taping sheets of paper on the walls. ;))

Part of the reason I blog is to be able to record those things that hit me, so that I can recall them again and again. Part of the reason is that I hope they can help others. I am encouraged when I hear others talking/posting about it. I want to help if I can. If not, meh. I'm not preaching. But when I see that God has given something to someone I want it. And I want to share when I get it.

Lately, I've been considering something. This isn't one of those great spiritual truths; it is something quite obvious actually, but I figured I would share anyway.

Time. Everything takes time. It takes time to lose weight. It takes time to build muscle. It takes time to build a relationship. It takes time to build trust. It takes time to get a good grade. It takes time. Things take time. The more important a matter is, the more time it seems to take to get to the point you would like it to be at. I was contemplating this and begrudging the fact when someone pointed out to be that greater effort reduces the time. And this too I believe is true.

If I cut more calories our of my diet (in a smart way) than I will lose fat faster. If I ensure I work the muscle to the fullest, concentrating on it and spending twice as much time doing varied exercises it will accomplish more faster than if I did one exercise half-heartedly. If I work hard on a relationship, than it will grow stronger faster than if I spend the minimum amount of time on it.

The conviction part, is that I want a better, deeper relationship with God, and I look at the time I spend and its pitiful. I find time to do a lot of things, with less effort than doing the best I can at a few things. Though, some of those are necessary, some aren't. And it would probably be best if I could concentrate more fully on the stuff I need to.

Well, short blog tonight, but I don't usually blog on Thursdays anyway. Good night, good weekend, and happy spring break!