Would you consider yourself self-aware?
The Apostle Paul had enough self-awareness to not only his know “course,” but also know when he finished that “course.”
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Me?
I’m working on it. But this wasn’t always so. Actually, for years I tried to be foggy. I didn’t want clarity because I didn’t want to fail.
Eventually, I got over my intentional fog. Instead, I got quiet and got on my knees. Chet Scott and my other friends at Built to Lead confronted me about it. (That’s me on the motorcycle as a kid)
Here’s my shot at my “course.”
A faithful follower I will not sell out (theologically) or burn out (spiritually). I will love Jesus as a Person to experience not a product to export.
An evolving husband I will continue to study Kelly in order to know what makes her tick, what concerns her, and what dreams capture her heart.
A dynamic father I will be present – emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally. Keegan, Isabel, and Addison are the first and foremost disciples in my life. If I lose it with them, quite simply I lose.
A loyal friend I will invest in a few relationships that will be mutually authentic, accountable, and transformational.
A progressing writer I intend to keep writing as long as God lets me keep breathing. I want to stretch myself as a writer being published by the best in the industry. My books will be true to who I am and what I am passionate about.
An influential leader I will leverage my currency to be a voice for those who can’t find theirs. I will lead with a high level of emotional intelligence, celebrating excellence in others as we settle for nothing less than our best.
A synergistic partner I will continually join others who are on the mutual journey realizing that together we improve and together we accomplish more than we could ever alone.
An authentic teacher I will be true to my craft and who I am as a communicator. I will continue to transfer truth in a redemptive manner filled with grace and compassion.
A transformational coach I will pursue a few individuals at a time who show promise as leaders. Most likely these are people who are in desperate need of someone to invest in them by giving them the gift of belief.
A life-long learner I will never stop exploring, engaging, and enjoying the world around me. I will be a student of culture and by my discernment demonstrate that I love God with my mind.
An innovative creator I will not be content as a consumer. Since God is the Creator and I am created in His image, I choose to contribute by composing works of thought, action, and idea. These works will not relish in the mundane, the predictable, or the path of least resistance.
An unconventional thinker I will choose to venture into unexamined avenues and unexposed ideals. I will commit to transcending the status quo by not settling for settling.
A healthy life I will maintain a habit of fitness by exercising three times a week. Understanding that quality of life is holistic I will not neglect the physical.
What’s your course?
An “intimate relationship” with God each day
1) Fall or kneel to humbly worship and praise God.
A) This is not about you, your sins or your needs…. but simply to worship God.
B) Worship for He is a HOLY, MIGHTY and POWERFUL God.
2) Read one chapter of Isaiah, Psalms, Proverbs, one of Gospels, one other N.T. & one other O.T.
3) Listen to worship songs in your car, work or at home during the day and keep your mind on Him
4) Reach out to others… even when you’re hurting and have needs of your own.
This is desperately seeking God, which after a time results in the following:
A) Old sins start to fade.
B) Your mind is renewed and transformed with new thoughts.
C) You find God’s best way to the answers you seek for your life. The answers for family, friends, career, loneliness and His will, because “seek ye first” & he will give you…
D) backsliding is not optional with constant communication with God.
He will keep you in perfect peace who’s mind is stayed on Him. In other words….
“Commune with me”
The main blog on this entry is so “polished & impressive”…when I read it I think, whew, that’s a lot to live up to. Although, I know we do all things through Him and by His grace…everything else (our own works will just burn up)…the only thing(s) that will stand IS what IS of HIM. I am taken by the the first comment because it requires me to take my eyes off of me and to put them on HIM….I’m always getting the cart before the horse. I have constructed similar lists and it always seems the focus is more on me than HIM, but if I follow what the first commenter has outlined then it would seem that the “polished & impressive” blog list could flow from that place. Is it evident, yet? I long to seek the kingdom first…to be in a passionate intimate realtionship with HIM, simple & pure, but the stuff of this world…a chronic debilitating illness…(that includes mental illness) makes it all so difficult & sometimes it feels so out of reach. And I’m always wondering…what is my course, Lord. My physical body is failing me…(keeping me homebound/bedridden, my mind fails me, although it is being transformed and renewed by His Holy Spirt…I know I have my place in the Body of Christ…and there is a course for me, but it’s been difficult for me to pin it down…I inevitably compare myself to the able-bodied & those of sound mind. I believe the bible says we are not to compare ourselves with one another, but I have not gotten past this, yet. I know He can & DOES use me just as I am…I just wish I wasn’t consumed with wondering all the time if “I missing it”….I’m in a season of learning to rest in Him…to let go and TRUST.
I’ll stop here. We should all know our course AND LIVE WITH PURPOSE.
Very deep Susan.