Day 5 - Seeing Life From God's View

"Every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God."

Today's lesson has two major components - thinking of life as a test as well as a trust. Life is a way to deepen our character, to love, and to solidify our faith.

Often we are tested, feeling that when it rains it pours. This entire last year was like that. I felt that just as I was making headway, getting out of a deep hole, I would lose footing and take three steps backwards. Often we experience "major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism and even senseless tragedies," and it feels as if the silver lining will never appear. Yet, somehow it does, and for me, it's been because of faith and perseverance.

Life is also a trust. We are stewards of whatever God gives us - including money, relationships, and the air we breathe. God has entrusted the earth, and all of its magnificence, to us to watch over and take care of.

So, what is my part in all of this?

The chapter begins with life metaphors. It states that our view on life will dictate what we value. I have always seen life as a JOURNEY. So, I suppose that means I value nature, openness, adventure, and new experiences. Hmmm...why then do I yearn so much for roots and a place to permanently hang my boots?

It also asks what has happened to me recently that I realize was a test from God? The entire year-and-a-half I spent in Georgia, right after my divorce, was one test after another. And, I see that my current position in life is yet again another one. I am gearing up for a new job, in a new city, as an independent woman. Can I do it? Sure. Will I thrive? You bet!

Lastly, what are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me? I am realizing more and more that these lie in my talents and gifts. I am a communicator, an educator, a caregiver, a guardian. I need to cultivate all of these so I can better use them to give back to the world and become a greater participant in my own journey.