Is Anyone Asking?

Invisible lines are drawn everywhere in my world.

• If you read this book you are across that line.
• If you support this candidate you are over here.
• I am in this stage of life, so here is my line.
• She is in that stage of life, so her line should be there.
• That person watches that TV show, so that means…
• They believe this, if you can even imagine. And still think they are Christians. As if.

I am a line drawer, for sure. I LIKE TO BELIEVE my lines are clear. Compassionate. Articulate. Logical.

And Christian.

As if.

I believe lines are meant for clarity and sometimes safety.

There are some that I will never cross: Just try it once. It is no big deal. May those words never work on me or mine.

Lines should sometimes divide. That is real life. In football; in politics; in war; in geography; but not in relationships.

Can I step over the invisible lines of my world? To meet a need? To spend time with a friend? To find an answer? To get refreshed?

Do I even ask the Lord what lines HE has for me? To keep me safe? To walk right past?

Is anyone asking the very simple question, “God, what do you have for me?” What do you want me to do? Who do you want me to invest my (limited) time and energy into? What talents, skills or interests have you given me for YOUR kingdom, and what in the world does that look like?

Does anyone think there might be more to life than what there is this very minute?

Living intentionally is a catch phrase in some of the circles of my life. It is wise to occasionally ask ourselves, “Why am I doing what I am doing?” But before a thorough answer can be given to that question, I must begin with examining, “What am I doing?”

Think about it. Is there really anywhere else to begin? Am I creating order or aiding chaos? Am I stewarding well or creating debt and financial pressure? Do I know what I think a good wife is, and where does my hubby think I am in that journey? Does the knowledge that time is limited with my kids actually influence the decisions I make? What am I doing to further God’s Kingdom? Am I more passionate or apathetic about Jesus than I was ten years ago?

Am I drawing lines around my world more often than I am throwing out life lines to the hurting and broken?

The answer is a resounding yes.

But thinking about doing things differently makes me want to take a nap.

This is not always a bad thing. I reflect on the 19th chapter of 1 Kings. Elijah fled from Jezebel, weary. God basically told him to take a nap and have a snack. Once Elijah did that, he got up and went in another direction, and although circumstances were tough, he witnessed an endless supply of miracles.

And so I pour my heart out to God again. Giving words to the desires in my heart, asking for His guidance and provision. Honestly assessing the WHATS of my life, and purposely seeking to get better in those areas. Will you do that with me?

Anyone?

Anyone?

Bueller?

Look for a few new things from Brighten A Corner…things we are doing and chatting about to bring God’s message to people in the off seasons of service. We continue to pray for the next project HE has for us. Join us in that, would you?

In the meanwhile, in your own world, start to look for those invisible lines…those you create; those you feel like are the work of someone else; those you wish you were on the other side of. May we work toward being the people who help people across the lines to a world beautifully marked by truth and grace.