It was a beautiful autumn night, the sun slowly sinking below the houses in our neighborhood as my dad sent us out to rake the leaves. Pause. Let me back up. I hate raking leaves. I can't tell you how much. I'll clean your toilet with a toothbrush; I'll wash the dishes for as long as you want me to; I'll do the laundry with one hand tied behind my back; I'll MOW THE LAWN for Pete's sake....but don't ask me to rake the leaves. Ok, unpause, we're good now. So out to the backyard we went. After grabbing the rakes & dragged our not-so-excited-to-rake-the-leaves-for-dad selves to the front yard, it started - the biggest & last fight Eli & I have ever had. It all ended with me screaming, "I'M NEVER TALKING TO YOU AGAIN!!" I can't tell you how many times I've said that to my brother growing up, but this was the first time I was pretty certain I was serious. Come to find out, we we're joking around & laughing with each other the next morning. But anyway, dad finds us in the front yard hitting each other with rakes, calling each other names, & eventually we both in...well...big trouble.
I don't really remember exactly who started it all physically, but it defiantly started emotionally with both of our hearts being discontent. Our attitude completely destroyed the entire night. That's how it all played out, & that's why I screamed at Eli that I'll never talk to him again. It's not like our dad was asking us to save the world. Nope. He just wanted us to use the gift of service for him & mom. Even though we laugh about it now, the unhappy heart that came along with the task of raking the leaves for my earthly father left a scar on my heart & reminds me of how we are often completely unwilling to do what our Heavenly Father has asked of us.
Really, when I dig deeper into the several different outcomes there could've been if we had just done this task with a happy heart, the joys are endless. We could've laughed together. We could've made a [good] memory together. We could've enjoyed the sunset together. We could've told each other our favorite parts about fall. We could've looked forward to going inside & grabbing some delicious caramel & chocolate flavored ice cream. We could've experienced the happiness that comes from enjoying each other. We could've experienced our father being proud of our hard work & the feeling of a task well done. I will never get to re-live this night. Instead of a good night full of warm & fuzzy memories, we created a bad one full of anger filled moments & the sense of grudging hearts, unwilling to use the gift of service to bring glory to our dad.
How many times have we done the exact thing with our Heavenly Father?
We are all called to do something to further God's kingdom. The very moment we accept Christ into our heart, we've surrendered our life to God & His purpose for our lives. Ahhh, but you say you don't have a gift to further God's kingdom? Nothing? No way you can serve Him & serve other people with His love & grace? That's my story too; but read this. Don't just skim over it, let it sink in.
I don't really remember exactly who started it all physically, but it defiantly started emotionally with both of our hearts being discontent. Our attitude completely destroyed the entire night. That's how it all played out, & that's why I screamed at Eli that I'll never talk to him again. It's not like our dad was asking us to save the world. Nope. He just wanted us to use the gift of service for him & mom. Even though we laugh about it now, the unhappy heart that came along with the task of raking the leaves for my earthly father left a scar on my heart & reminds me of how we are often completely unwilling to do what our Heavenly Father has asked of us.
Really, when I dig deeper into the several different outcomes there could've been if we had just done this task with a happy heart, the joys are endless. We could've laughed together. We could've made a [good] memory together. We could've enjoyed the sunset together. We could've told each other our favorite parts about fall. We could've looked forward to going inside & grabbing some delicious caramel & chocolate flavored ice cream. We could've experienced the happiness that comes from enjoying each other. We could've experienced our father being proud of our hard work & the feeling of a task well done. I will never get to re-live this night. Instead of a good night full of warm & fuzzy memories, we created a bad one full of anger filled moments & the sense of grudging hearts, unwilling to use the gift of service to bring glory to our dad.
How many times have we done the exact thing with our Heavenly Father?
We are all called to do something to further God's kingdom. The very moment we accept Christ into our heart, we've surrendered our life to God & His purpose for our lives. Ahhh, but you say you don't have a gift to further God's kingdom? Nothing? No way you can serve Him & serve other people with His love & grace? That's my story too; but read this. Don't just skim over it, let it sink in.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s great grace. 1 Peter 4:10
Each of us have received a gift. Discover your gift! Whether it be playing an instrument, cheerleading, singing, or even something as simple as baking or cooking, use it to bring Him glory. I think of Eric Liddell. The dude loved to run. & my gosh, if someone could ever run to bring God glory, it was this guy. Read this quote from him:
"God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure." Eric Liddel
Joy. He found so much joy in what He did. You're a child of God. He has given you a gift. Go, write it on the lines of notebook paper however simple it might seem. Then write a prayer that God would be glorified in how you use this gift. Right below your talent, fill in these blanks for yourself: God gave me the gift of . And when I , I feel His pleasure.
Here I am, using my writing to hopefully touch lives in the name of Jesus. God gave me the gift of writing, & when I write, I feel God's pleasure. If Christ uses me to encourage just one person - just touch one persons life & let them know they have a greater purpose - to let them know they have a King who loves them & will welcome them in His arms if they will turn from their sinful nature - it's worth it. It's worth a million hours of writing out words, posting it on my blog, & praying God will use this open vessel to bring Him glory. It's so worth it. It's worth living my entire life for.
I beg you just as I beg myself; don't be like Eli & I. Our father asked us to use our health & gift of two strong legs to rake his yard - but we complained. Whatever God is asking you to do, do it. In His name. Say yes despite your doubts. Don't complain like we did. Find joy that your Father has called you to do this to bring Him glory. There's really no greater honor.
"I lift my life, lift my life up. I give it all in surrender. I lift my heart, lift my heart up. You can have it forever. All my dreams, all my plans, Lord I leave it in your hands. Take my life & let it be all for You." ~Unspoken
Here I am, using my writing to hopefully touch lives in the name of Jesus. God gave me the gift of writing, & when I write, I feel God's pleasure. If Christ uses me to encourage just one person - just touch one persons life & let them know they have a greater purpose - to let them know they have a King who loves them & will welcome them in His arms if they will turn from their sinful nature - it's worth it. It's worth a million hours of writing out words, posting it on my blog, & praying God will use this open vessel to bring Him glory. It's so worth it. It's worth living my entire life for.
I beg you just as I beg myself; don't be like Eli & I. Our father asked us to use our health & gift of two strong legs to rake his yard - but we complained. Whatever God is asking you to do, do it. In His name. Say yes despite your doubts. Don't complain like we did. Find joy that your Father has called you to do this to bring Him glory. There's really no greater honor.
"I lift my life, lift my life up. I give it all in surrender. I lift my heart, lift my heart up. You can have it forever. All my dreams, all my plans, Lord I leave it in your hands. Take my life & let it be all for You." ~Unspoken