2 Reflections, Vaguely Connected

Numero Uno

Going back to work, I have been thinking about how I can invite Jesus to influence the decisions I make, the conversations I have and the people I see and work with when I am there.

Allowing God to be in every corner of my life and my faith to be evident to all is something I struggle to picture clearly and to put into action. I wonder whether I say enough to make clear the connection between God in my life and how I live, as others see me.

I want to live in a way that brings glory to Jesus and shows that God can touch our lives. However, I sometimes think that my life is more likely to raise the comment, 'She's a nice person.' It doesn't actually lead anyone to meet God in a world where there are any number of 'nice people'. And to some degree I am lying because I am not really that 'nice' when all of my life is under the spotlight.

I really want to know how I can be salt, or light, rather than just more sugar.

The second reflection

Apparently my generation (X) have a history of responding to sense of purpose in life, while the next generation (Y) connect more with the idea of authenticity, rather than purpose. I know that I have often reflected on the way knowing Christ has helped me to understand my life's purpose and that has given me a real peace and contentment in existence.

I would like to become more authentic - and by that I mean I would like there to be less difference between what I say/do and what I am - to express love because it is what I actually feel, not what I think I should feel. I want to spend less time thinking, 'What will *** think if I say _____ ?' and more time training my heart and mind to respond with love and light to any situation.

I have read 2 things recently and am trying to remember them, daily, while I puzzle out how to live them better.

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3:8a.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Colossians 3:16a

What do you think?

Family

I can't resist posting this family shot snapped by our friend Sarah P.

Holidays

We have had the chance to go away for a relaxed holiday which has been fantastic. This is the lake near where we stayed in the Snowy Mountains. I learnt a bit about the Snowy Mountains scheme. It was a revelation to me that the primary purpose of the work was to bring water to the west of the Dividing Range and irrigate agricultural land, and that power is a by-product!

the Lake

dusk

fishing with Dad

I made it to the top of Mt Kosciuzko

part way up enjoying the view

Walking in the evening, as the sun set, we saw families of kangaroos munching beside the road. One of the regulars around the house where we stayed was a mother kangaroo whose joey had to fold itself up to fit into her pouch. The kids were fascinated.

Happy New Year 2010

2009 has gone, almost before I've had a chance to flip my hand goodbye. I really loved this post by Jean at in all honesty as I have had some similar reflections as I've travelled through December 2009.

It is so easy to look back and regret the things I wish I had done, the achievements I'd like to have to my name, the embarrassing and hurtful mistakes I wish I hadn't made, and the things I've just completely overlooked. It's easy to hear the old refrain, 'I'm no good', or 'I'm not good enough'.

But the reason I need to look back is to see, God, who is all good. I have so much to thank and praise him for. 2009 has been a year when my relationship with him has been refreshed in unexpected ways. It has seen the arrival of our youngest child, who has brought great joy to all of us.

Church has had difficulties this year, but in the middle of that God has done some cool things, and taught us again and again that he is faithful, that his love and grace are powerful. He has rescued me from all sorts of impending disasters in dealing with the people around me.

Not everything is perfect, but God is with me.