I bet you expect this to be a post about how we should enjoy all the many moments that make up this crazy life of ours. Easy to live in the past or the future and not appreciate what we have in the “now.”
That is absolutely a wonderful concept and one that I have written about in the past. This post, however, is NOT about that kind of “living in the moment.” My version in this particular post will have a completely different twist!
To set up just how this new revelation made its way into my life recently, I have to share some of what I’ve been experiencing for the past month or two.
I’m working diligently on the launch of my book, Cultivating Compassion – Practical Advice as You Walk a Friend through a Season of Loss. Let me just say that the writing of the book was the EASIEST part of this process!
Enter the world of self-publishing on Amazon. Honestly, it’s a sub-culture unto itself. But I am taking a course to help me learn all the ins and outs of Amazon’s algorithms and how to utilize them most effectively.
Unfortunately, that means LOTS of new technology for someone who often describes herself as walking around with a black technology cloud over her head. Yep, that’s me. Not too beneficial for this stage of things.
So, I have been banging my head against the wall, taking one step forward and two steps back, and any other adage you can think of to describe a high level of frustration and a very low level of productivity. On more than one occasion, it has led to tears and the temptation to throw in the towel. (Hey, another adage!)
All that led me to the realization that I was living TOO MUCH in those moments. I was letting the frustration of the daily struggles color my entire outlook on life. It caused me to take a huge step backwards, but in a good, self-reflecting sense.
So, I had to ask myself, “What difference will this particular problem make in the scope of eternity?” Might it delay the launch of the book? Maybe. Might it cause a few restless nights? For sure! But, I had to remind myself, once again, that this ministry belongs to God. And His purposes for it will go forward regardless of any technical glitches I may run into.
And here’s the other thing – God, the ALL-KNOWING God, has the answers to every one of those technology problems. He’s got this. And He’ll lead me to answers and resolutions in His timing.
So, I needed to STOP living in those moments of frustration and towel-throwing, and remember just Who it is I’m serving. Keep my eye on the big picture, knowing that I’m not in charge. AND, keep my eye on the eternal picture. All these frustrations pale in comparison to what’s ahead at the end of this earthly life.
I pray you can also learn to cherish the beautiful moments, but hand over your difficult times to a good God.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
It’s Beyond Me 