Monday, November 18, 2013

Sustainability - Ann

Thank you for being real Emily. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. 
I cannot say that any chapter in this book has been easy to read, as each one challenges me to think to change, to grow and improve.

I was able to peacefully read this chapter in the quiet of the forest in my tree stand as I awaited the big buck to come by .....that did not come.
As I reflected on this chapter a few things came to mind.

I can thank God for my shyness, which I used to think of as curse. I have always been called shy and to me being called shy was like being call dump and ugly. However, I think it was a blessing to me in this area. As I have mentioned before I think I am boring when it comes to my dating history, but at the same time am very thankful. As a teenager I had crushes on a few guys, but a crush cannot go far when you are too shy to talk to them. God has a plan for all of us and I prayed and waited for a guy to come along that was really worth investing my time in. He did come by, my one and only boyfriend, who later became my husband. We decided to save sex until marriage even through our 4 years of dating and we were so thankful we did. 
God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and friend and after reading this chapter I was once again reminded that I need to not take that relationship I have with my husband  for granted. I need to better at building him up, focusing on him more and being less selfish when it comes to our relationship. I need to not complain about him, or tear him down."The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down" (proverbs 14:2). 

Mary points out that "God is our Creator He knows what is best for us. We disrespect God when we reject his pattern and purpose for our lives" God does know what is best for me but sometimes I forget this and try to tell God how things should be, do things my own way instead of turning myself over to him.  I do not want to disrespect God, but I will say I am guilty of this when I do not see things going my way or try to manipulate things to go my way. Oh I am a stubborn girl sometimes.

Thank you ladies for being such good friends to me!

How are my  relationships going? I think my marriage is good, but of course it can be better and I will continue to work at it. When I think about this question in regards to friendships in general I will say I can be much better. I love getting to know people and I know I love being liked, but I struggle with keeping up with people with continuing and growing relationships. I know life gets busy, but I really feel like I can be better in reaching out to people rather then waiting for them to reach out to me. I think this chapter is challenging me to reach out to some friends i have neglected. Wow! When I stop and think about it God has blessed me with so many wonderful friends and family member. He has placed so many great people in my life and I need to better at building up those relationships.
"Encourage one another and build one another up" Thessalonians 5:11

Lord thank you for those people you have put our my lives that we can call friends. You have blessed us with so much. Help us to continue to seek you above all else, as you teach us how to grow and improve our relationships with others. May we always be respectful of others seeking to honor you in all we do.

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