Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:8
I read this passage over the weekend in Kristin Armstrong’s book, Work in Progress An Unfinished Woman’s Guide to Grace. I started the book sometime back, even mentioned it in this blog, but I found it to be a book that I needed to read slowly and digest it as I went along. It has taken me much longer than I originally intended, but it is FULL of wisdom for women!! After this passage she writes, “Time spent getting to know God means walking along with Him; asking Him to illuminate the route and not racing ahead of what’s been lit.” Not racing ahead of “what’s been lit.” How appropriate for me! I am always wanting to move forward, plan ahead, what’s next, get it on the calendar…but this passage and her comment really struck me. I spend time in the word, trying to walk along with Him, but I am frequently, if not always looking ahead…beyond what has been lit.
So, today, Lord, I pray that you will help me to focus on the now…focus on the path you have lit and not look beyond where you want me to be NOW.
Speaking of where He wants me to be now…I mentioned yesterday that my class starts on Wednesday night and if you read yesterday’s post, you know that I sounded like I didn’t know what to do about school. Well, I still don’t know, but if I want a full refund, then I need to withdraw by tomorrow morning.
Dianne made this comment, “Mary, as a former educator and one who loves learning, I would ask you this to ask of yourself: Why are you doing back to school? Truly answer that for yourself–it is okay to pursue a lifelong dream if that is what it is or to do it for better pay or a better job.
Just be sure your motives are ones that you are proud of–anything less and it truly is not worth it–spend your time doing the things you love and what God intends for you. Knowing the answers to all of these questions won’t be easy but God will provide them for you.”
I have taken several classes over the years, but one thing or another kept me from continuing. I have always wanted to finish school, but didn’t want to take the time out of my schedule. As I near the big FIVE ZERO, I find myself thinking if I don’t do it now, when WILL I finish? As it is, it will probably take me three to five years. Oh, well…back to my motives…I think it became clear when I was looking for a job last spring that a degree would have been useful in my job search. That was probably the strong impetus for moving forward. One of the biggest fears I have is that I have so many other committments this fall, not sure how I will juggle everything. So…I will spend today thinking and praying about this (while working) and make my decision. Thank you, Dianne, for your wisdom and thank you to the rest of you that said you would pray with me about this.
If you have not checked out Kristin Armstrong’s book…you might do so. It is really worthwhile reading…at least it is for me!
So, today, Lord, I pray that you will help me to focus on the now…focus on the path you have lit and not look beyond where you want me to be NOW.
Speaking of where He wants me to be now…I mentioned yesterday that my class starts on Wednesday night and if you read yesterday’s post, you know that I sounded like I didn’t know what to do about school. Well, I still don’t know, but if I want a full refund, then I need to withdraw by tomorrow morning.
Dianne made this comment, “Mary, as a former educator and one who loves learning, I would ask you this to ask of yourself: Why are you doing back to school? Truly answer that for yourself–it is okay to pursue a lifelong dream if that is what it is or to do it for better pay or a better job.
Just be sure your motives are ones that you are proud of–anything less and it truly is not worth it–spend your time doing the things you love and what God intends for you. Knowing the answers to all of these questions won’t be easy but God will provide them for you.”
I have taken several classes over the years, but one thing or another kept me from continuing. I have always wanted to finish school, but didn’t want to take the time out of my schedule. As I near the big FIVE ZERO, I find myself thinking if I don’t do it now, when WILL I finish? As it is, it will probably take me three to five years. Oh, well…back to my motives…I think it became clear when I was looking for a job last spring that a degree would have been useful in my job search. That was probably the strong impetus for moving forward. One of the biggest fears I have is that I have so many other committments this fall, not sure how I will juggle everything. So…I will spend today thinking and praying about this (while working) and make my decision. Thank you, Dianne, for your wisdom and thank you to the rest of you that said you would pray with me about this.
If you have not checked out Kristin Armstrong’s book…you might do so. It is really worthwhile reading…at least it is for me!
I GET NO COMPENSATION FOR COMMENTING ON THIS BOOK. NO ONE GAVE ME THE BOOK, I PURCHASED IT ON AMAZON. NO ONE HAS ASKED ME TO REVIEW OR RECOMMEND…THESE ARE MY OWN THOUGHTS.
Here are a few more pictures from the weekend…
this picture doesn’t really do the view justice. But it was pretty. A professional photographer once told my husband, “just because it looks pretty, doesn’t mean you can take a picture of it.” Such was the case with this…there were purples, blues, yellows and oranges in the sky. Oh, well…
And get a load of this car…it was parked at a trailhead as I went back to the campground after dropping John off at the entrance. I just thought it was interesting. I wonder what makes people want to paint their car like that? This butterfly was flying around where I ate my lunch. You know, I don’t see a lot of butterflies around anymore…BUT…I see them when we are in Shenandoah. I have seen them everytime we have been there this year. Very beautiful…
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| And beautiful yellow wildflowers! |
This was one of my favorite parts…the empty campground. There were a few more people that arrived on Saturday, but no one was next to us all weekend. It was so peaceful!
The end of the road…after 105 miles…7 hours and 10 minutes!I hope you have a great day…thank you for your prayers.
Oh, I am humbled and honored to be quoted. Thank you, Mary.
Love that scripture from Psalms. Yes, God will bring you his Word of unfailing love, and you will know what way you should go and I will rejoice with you when you know.
Still praying for you, my friend.
Love,
Dianne
I will have to look for that book. Thanks.
Hey Mary, Just wanted you to know I prayed for you this morning that tonight's schooling would go really well for you.
And I wanted to answer your question about my blog.
I basically did everything except–
I took the picture used in the header image but about a year ago I had a designer put the title in, lay the scripture in the water, and add the C.S. Lewis quote. I couldn't do that then but I could now. All the other stuff I did–I really love learning about blog design.
I want to tackle the font thingie from Kevin and Amanda but haven't gotten up the nerve yet. Someday when I have a lot of time and courage, I will give it a go.
Hope everything was great tonight.
Love, Dianne
Wow! Great insights! I really like the quote from the book. I, too, often head off without my path being lit.