Sacrifice

As Christians, I feel like we tend to find it hard to believe that we must lay "good things" down so that we can move forward in our lives and grow in the Lord.  We feel that is unbiblical and that all "good things" are to be stored up in our lives forever, and not just a season.  This belief is simply untrue.  God is the giver of all good things, but not all good things are given to us for life.  

Jesus tells us in the gospels that those who lay their lives down will find it.  Our Christian walk requires sacrifice.  No, it's not fun and it never feels good, but we must look down the road, learn how to be farsighted rather than nearsighted, and trust that God knows best.  He will not call us to lay something down for no reason.  There will always be a benefit; ultimately, it'll be for our good, our own growth in Him.   

Basically, I've found in my Christian walk that it's full of blessings unto sacrifices unto more blessings and at every step of the way (when I embrace the step)... growth!  I'm not implying that God is a bully that dangles candy in front of babies, because the reward after the sacrifice is exponentially preferable.  

So, "sacrifice?".... we have to choose how to look at it.  Is it unfair because it doesn't feel good and we're all about immediate comfort and pleasure while ignoring the long-term effects that something may have on our lives?  Or, do we lay our lives down, trusting God fully knowing that He knows best, and choose to see our lives through God's perspective (farsighted)?  That's a question that you can answer for yourself.  I choose the later.  

Family

It's 1:35am Monday morning on April 14th.  Church last night was really good.  After church, we went to a restaurant and chilled there for a bit.  I love being around everyone and just talking and having fun.  It's one of my most favourite things to do EVER. 

God's been showing me the importance of family.  Family is such a biblical symbol of love and God's desire is for everyone to be in that same family of love- his children.  I'm not just talking about "family" as in all Christians/body of Christ, but I'm talking about immediate family.  He's showing me how staying close to the family that you had no choice but to be a part of strengthens and encourages the specific individual (you).  Granted, there are circumstances where your immediate (blood) family may not fit into this mold, but even still... God has or will, if He hasn't already, place you in one!

You could very easily say that I am forced to learn this lesson because of the season of life that I am in- living in AU, halfway across the world from family, friends, and everything familiar.  I will say this though, I CHOOSE to be taught by God how important family is to me.  It's a precious lesson learned and a precious gift thats value should never be forgotten or diminished.