priority | My Everyday God

As the days move closer to our move in the beginning of April, so the pressure rises to pack up our belongings in time.

For Matt and I, moving also proves time to sort, clean out and prioritize. For instance, how many baby outfits do we need to keep to remember when they were small, and what can and should be given away? What toys have been outgrown (or chewed quite enough) and need to be thrown out? What do we need until the big day, and what can be packed now?

Packing up the kids

Streamlining is always in order, especially when you realize how much stuff you have and that you have to pack all that stuff!

It’s fun to go through memories and remember when. God has blessed us so extraordinarily here in Lansing. Both our children, Jackson and Lauren, were born here. Our amazing friends have become family, and many things in our home remind us of good times we’ve had. Our dog Josie joined our family, and she’s definitely left her mark in the backyard!

God has also proved himself to be a loving God full of tenderness. He’s helped us through the homecoming of our mom. He’s held us together when we were not allowed to meet two of our children. Though it’s taken time, God continues to heal our hearts and show us how to be there for others struggling with loss. His grace is enough.

Though I will admit (and Matt wholeheartedly agrees) that packing and moving is not my strong suit, it’s how God moves us to the next chapter of His will for us. It also gives me a chance to reflect and refocus. And, another opportunity to express my gratefulness to God for his redemption, provision and plans for the future. Jackson is ready to go!

“It’s not about you.” Many people could probably name a well-known book that begins with that “smack-you-to-the-core” statement.

The last few weeks I’ve been pondering what’s most important to God. If our lives are all about him, what is He all about? Obviously, that first sentence doesn’t apply to God, because it IS all about Him.

Could it be that in the greatest love story of all time, the author of time has placed you and me in the front and center of His mind and heart? God gave up everything to reveal Himself to us, to show us the extent He would go to offer His love to us. God put our eternity and souls above his very life when he willing gave it up to make a way for us. He lovingly created us knowing full well He would go to the cross to give us life.

“For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from the fathers, not with perishable things, like silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.”

Jesus traded His life for mine and for yours. We are always on His mind, and He redeemed us for something more, for His plan and purpose, for His glory.

“He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the times for you…”

That right there gives me chills, makes me pause with wonder. Jesus was destined before the beginning of the world and was revealed at just the right time for me. For you. For our neighbors. For that person at work who drives us crazy. For the person who blasphemes His name. For the person who has never heard His name.

It really is true. We love Him because He first loved us. And, oh, what love it is! It is the kind of love that demands all that we are because He laid it all down for us.

If we were honest with ourselves in truly understanding what is most important to God, what He is all about, we would HAVE to change. We’d be compelled to stop perpetuating this “empty” life and start pursuing His abundant life. Half-heartedness and selfishness would be kicked to the curb. Excuses would be eliminated.

It’s time to get over ourselves and embrace God’s mission and His desire.

I have so much to learn (and confess)! I am SO thankful that God does not give up on me, and continues to passionately love me, even in my sin and apathy.

Lord, you know just where I’ve been. Light the fire in my heart again!