To Leave a Legacy
The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing hidden underground, secretly making the ground green. -- Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) Scottish Writer
I've been thinking I want to do something really helpful, but very behind-the-scenes around here. Either set-up/break-down of something at a civic function, or maybe just a bag a day of litter retrieval on my daily (not yet established) walks. I want to feel useful and contributory, but I don't want fussed over for it. I like how loved Greg feels when I keep the house clean and have meals ready quickly and without complaint. I told myself "No whining!" and decided even small complaints are childish. They taint the event, even if I'm only preparing something for myself, a complaint or even a sigh sets the tone for grumpy thoughts instead of contented enjoyment of the bite.
I've been reading First Things First by Steven Covey, and realizing that my True North instincts are pretty good, and anything that saddens or angers me usually does so because I've indulged in some behavior or thought that is contrary to what I believe are the basic principles of life. Then yesterday, I picked up In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado and am stabbed several times by his understanding that so many of the attitudes of modern man arise from our dismissal of God. Or our limited perception of Him. So much of our discontent is OUR misinterpretation of His divine plan. WE think we know better what is needed or should be done, and refuse to accept that He sees more and acts more deeply than we ever could. We are crickets in the sanctuary, able to observe the ceiling and the music and the changes in temperature, perhaps even able to distinguish WHAT they are made of or HOW they change, but utterly ignorant of what is behind them.
God is amazing. I love how deeply we can trust Him and fully He can comfort us in all circumstances, simply by letting go of our expectations and trusting Him to provide what we truly need. I love being married to Greg, who believes the same fundamental truth, so that we can each remind and reassure the other that we can make it through ANYTHING, even death or loss, with God and each other, faithful, always.
I've been thinking I want to do something really helpful, but very behind-the-scenes around here. Either set-up/break-down of something at a civic function, or maybe just a bag a day of litter retrieval on my daily (not yet established) walks. I want to feel useful and contributory, but I don't want fussed over for it. I like how loved Greg feels when I keep the house clean and have meals ready quickly and without complaint. I told myself "No whining!" and decided even small complaints are childish. They taint the event, even if I'm only preparing something for myself, a complaint or even a sigh sets the tone for grumpy thoughts instead of contented enjoyment of the bite.
I've been reading First Things First by Steven Covey, and realizing that my True North instincts are pretty good, and anything that saddens or angers me usually does so because I've indulged in some behavior or thought that is contrary to what I believe are the basic principles of life. Then yesterday, I picked up In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado and am stabbed several times by his understanding that so many of the attitudes of modern man arise from our dismissal of God. Or our limited perception of Him. So much of our discontent is OUR misinterpretation of His divine plan. WE think we know better what is needed or should be done, and refuse to accept that He sees more and acts more deeply than we ever could. We are crickets in the sanctuary, able to observe the ceiling and the music and the changes in temperature, perhaps even able to distinguish WHAT they are made of or HOW they change, but utterly ignorant of what is behind them.
God is amazing. I love how deeply we can trust Him and fully He can comfort us in all circumstances, simply by letting go of our expectations and trusting Him to provide what we truly need. I love being married to Greg, who believes the same fundamental truth, so that we can each remind and reassure the other that we can make it through ANYTHING, even death or loss, with God and each other, faithful, always.