Sacred Ground Ministries

When I began my blog, I made a commitment to try to write something at least once a week (I’m making no public promises). However, I’m realizing (only in week 2) that all of those lovely ideas that were once floating in my head that would make ideas for great blog posts are completely gone. Instead taking up my brain space is a long list of shoulds, what ifs, and a feeling of getting it all wrong.

Perhaps you too, my dear reader, have been in this situation. Unfortunately, this concept of having it all together is the permeating idea in our culture, especially for women. The unspoken and unwritten idea is that we must always be an original, do things perfectly, never ask any questions, and never let them (whoever they may be) see you sweat. We must figure it (whatever it may be) out on our own. The whole concept is bunk and as I am here to say, a bunch of hogwash.

Lately, I’ve begun to wonder more and more at the foolishness of this way of life and how easily it is to get sucked in. I’m wondering who has set these unspoken cultural rules and why have I allowed them to rule so much in my life? I’m slowly realizing that life is less about a series of impressive feats that cause others to marvel but more about a life that is full from the good stuff like connection and simplicity.

This past week David and I were able to celebrate our 4 year wedding anniversary by going on a little trip to the most picturesque snowed in lodge. It was absolutely freezing outside but it really made for some great reading time. I got to read another book by one of my absolute favorite authors, Henri Nouwen (if you don’t know him, go to Amazon straight after reading this). One of the things he said really resonated with me.

“Jesus refused to be a stunt man. He did not come to walk on hot coals, swallow fire, or put his hand in the lion’s mouth to demonstrate that he had something worthwhile to say.”

Isn’t that so true? In today’s terms Jesus wouldn’t have necessarily been a riveting success. Rather, we see Him focusing on a few things and doing those things with grace and humility, not showmanship and headstrong independence. He does a few and more or less simple things with great love. Jesus is not concerned with the shoulds and what ifs but rather allows His life and actions to overflow from His relationship with His Father. In the same way, everything we do ought to flow from this source.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Apart from our Father, we can do things. Maybe even “all the things.” But none of it will bear eternal fruit. We will be choosing to do things that bear temporal or sour fruit on this side of eternity. Today, and hopefully more days than not, I choose to abide in the Father, seeking to bear weightier and more meaningful fruit. I’m praying for you, my reader, that you make the same decision.

Lovingly,