Meaningful Steps

“Remember your leaders, those who have spoken God's word to you. Think about the impact of their lives, and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7 ISV)

I have an activity tracker that measures all my steps. It motivates me to keep active, even if it is to just get up off the couch and go get a cookie. This gadget assigns all of my steps equal value--whether I’m running uphill or leisurely walking through my house. Obviously, not every step I take has the same impact on my health. In order to have cardiac benefits, my exertion has to raise my pulse to at least 50% of my maximum heart rate. Other exercises such as yoga, resistance training, or calisthenics can also increase strength and flexibility, and thus might be more beneficial than merely walking back and forth through my house.

As I get older, I have learned to transition into more and more low-impact activities. What was a meaningful step in my 20’s does not have the same significance in my 40’s. Back then, I desired recognition, acceptance, respect, and to make a high impact on the world. I pursued these aspirations with intensity. These days, my ambitions are more low-key. I crave peace, health, stability, and simplicity.

Even though some things have changed over the years, others have not. I still take many steps each day that have very little value. I waste a lot of time in worry, distractions, and useless busywork. This gives me a false sense of productivity and significance.

How can we make the majority of our steps meaningful?

We can try to emulate those who live mindfully, purposefully, and faithfully; We can observe and learn how they consider each step and ensure it is in alignment with God’s purposes. Then we too can join the Apostle Paul in claiming: “I run with purpose in every step.” (1 Corinthians 9:26 NLT)

Fearless

“So, with HIM on my side I’m fearless, afraid of no one and nothing.” (Psalm 27:1 MSG)

We come into this world fearless--until we experience disappointment and become aware of our limitations--then, some of us become anxious and fearful of every eventuality, while others manage to have a slightly healthier mix of caution and courage.

As we become aware of how much our lives are affected by circumstances and realize how truly powerless we are--fear and trepidation soon follow. Naturally we get anxious when all we have to rely on are our own limited resources and skills.

A deep connection with God is the best antidote to fear. As our awareness of God’s unlimited love, power, and wisdom increases, our fear decreases. We learn to trust in God’s care and strength instead of in our own meager abilities. We realize that He is the beginning and the end, the author and the director, the initiator and the completer.

Lord, with you by my side, I have nothing to fear.

Taken for Granted

What are the things that you take for granted--the things that you neglect to recognize or appreciate until they are no longer functioning? When was the last time you appreciated your knees, eyes, digestive system, electricity, running water, or the roof on your home?

Are there people in your life whom you take for granted? We often fail to acknowledge the importance of certain individuals. We don’t even give them a second thought. We expect them to continue to be available, but neglect to express our appreciation for them. We assume they should automatically know that they are valued without us having to ‘show’ it.

Expressions of gratitude and appreciation may seem mushy and sentimental, but it can be incredibly bolstering to both the giver and the recipient. When I take time to acknowledge the value of my health, I feel strengthened. When I point out the positive characteristics of a person, they feel empowered.  Just as taking something/someone for granted can be diminishing, expressing appreciation shines a spotlight on it--thus allowing everyone to see its true value.

Apathetically Married

Couples who have been married for more than a decade could probably classify the current state of their relationship into one of the following categories: Unhappily Married, Miserably Married, Combatively Married, Apathetically Married, or Contentedly Married. Most of us cycle through each of these phases, but, unfortunately, some of us get stuck in one or more of the unpleasant stages. Many couples who are unhappy or miserable for prolonged periods end up dissolving their marriages; some may stay together to avoid social ostracization.

My observations lead me to believe that most couples who have been married for a long time settle into some form of apathy. They may still bicker about money or remind each other of responsibilities--but overall, they don’t care about the welfare of the other spouse--unless it somehow affects the rest of the family. Here are a few examples: your husband misplaced his favorite golf club, and you don’t really care that he is frustrated, OR  your wife is sad because the tomatoes she planted were destroyed by frost, and you don’t even notice that she is upset. In apathetic marriages, one or both spouses frequently ‘check-out’ emotionally. They stop caring.

The prevailing advice for resuscitating apathetic marriages involves having more fun together, or trying new hobbies, etc. Yet, pursuing distractions together doesn’t necessarily make us care more for one another. I think that reviving marriages requires Divine grace--and grace cannot be forced or managed. All we can do is be open and accepting of the grace that flows freely all around us.

Mental Deflation

Inflation and deflation are predictable signs of an unhealthy economy.  The value of a country’s currency may go up or down due to instability in its government, heavy debt, fluctuating exchange rates, and changes in investor expectations.

When our sense of worth is tied to external circumstances and societal expectations, we become vulnerable to a similar crisis of identity. One day we feel inflated; the next day we feel deflated. One day we feel like what we have to offer the world is valuable; the next day our whole existence seems meaningless. As our self-image fluctuates, we become unstable and ineffective--unsure of ourselves and unreliable to others.

How can we avoid this cycle of mental inflation/deflation?

Our sense of worth has to come from something less fickle than meeting expectations--whether they are our own or from others. Instead, our identity has to be based on solid trust in God.  Although I know this in theory, I have not been able to implement this consistently in my life. My emotions continue to fluctuate based on my perceptions and circumstances.

Lord, I pray that You will help us to be stable. Grant us the ability to trust you. Even though You don’t make everything work out according to our expectations, You never abandon us. Vulnerability merely presses us closer to You. As our egos deflate, may our bond with You become more and more secure.

On Hold with God

“My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me.” (Psalm 69:3 NLT)

Last time I called the bank, I was put on hold for a long time. First, I had to listen to a recording that said: “Your call is very important to us.” Really? After what seemed like an eternity, a real live person answered the phone. She listened patiently to my request and then asked: “Can I put you on hold?” Sigh!  After a few minutes, she came back and said: “It’s going to take me a few more minutes to find the right person who can answer your question, but I just wanted you to know I haven’t forgotten about you.” This time, I was actually impressed.  

Oftentimes, when I pray, I feel like God puts me on eternal hold. Scripture verses remind me that ‘my prayers are very important to God.’ Yet, very rarely do I get a personal sign of reassurance that God has heard me and that He hasn’t forgotten about me.

My husband has a habit of putting the phone on speaker whenever he is placed on hold. He will go about his business, assuming it will be a while before anyone answers. Occasionally, he wanders too far from the phone, and misses his opportunity to talk with the person for whom he was waiting.

I wonder if God does send me signs of reassurance, but I am just not recognizing them. Maybe I am going about my business instead of waiting patiently. Maybe I wander too far, get distracted, and miss the gentle voice of God.

“Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the LORD hears the cries of the needy.” (Psalm 69:32-33 NLT)

Sensing God

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I shall not be afraid, for you are close beside me. (Psalm 23:4 NLT)

I am afraid of walking downtown after dark. Sometimes there are other people around, but I’m not sure which of them are friendly. I feel much braver when I have my husband beside me. This is one of those times I stick close to him. If he gets ahead of me, I will walk faster to catch up with him. If he lingers at a store, I stay with him. I’m not sure if my husband can fight off a bunch of bad guys, but I figure just having him close will dissuade the bad guys from approaching.

Even when we walk through the darkest valley, our Lord is close beside us. Yet, sometimes we can’t sense His presence, and we become fearful and anxious.

I have noticed that some people seem to have higher spiritual sensitivity than others. I have also heard of those who have sudden spiritual insights that lead to deep transformation. How can we sense God? Is it an ability that some people are just born with? Or is it a skill that is developed by practice and discipline? I don’t know the answer. Either way, I suspect that God plays a bigger role than we do in the whole thing.  

Lord, even though You are always with us, sometimes we can’t sense your presence--and we become fearful and anxious. Please let us know you are with us in ways that we can understand.