To know

My husband and I spent a week in Northwest Florida. This was my playground as a child. It was very different then – no condos, huge houses, or hotels on the beaches. Just a few motels and little homes here and there. To come here is to sigh deeply and look back over the years.

Life is oh so very short. We no sooner become ‘grown-ups’ than we find ourselves wondering where the decades went. Do you ever wonder things like: did I waste precious time? Was I supposed to do more, be more? Have I made an impact on anyone – one that points them to God?

As I read the New Testament writers, it’s clear their burning desire was to do that very thing. In whatever time God had given them, they wanted to make sure others knew Jesus. We often lose sight of our purpose in our day to day. Like Martha, we busy ourselves and focus on the tasks and not the treasure – Mary’s focus was the treasure.

It’s quiet right now. The porch swing gently sways back and forth. The air is cool, the sun is sinking low. Sometimes I think life is supposed to be more like this. But why should it be? Jesus’ 30+ years were not slow, peaceful. The brief years He ministered were fast paced, noisy, purposeful.

Each day, no matter how peaceful or busy, is a gift that is gone at end of day. How can we reveal the glories of Christ this day?

We don’t all have some big grand purpose on this earth. God chooses who comes to world renown and who seemingly lives in total obscurity. Our purpose is to know Him and to make Him known in whatever way He has gifted us to share Jesus.

A grandson called and asked: “Grammy, what countries are we besides American?” Our highest calling is what God told His people in the Old Testament: “And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7 BSB) “Tell it to your children; let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.” (Joel 1:3 BSB)

Still, it is not us who moves a soul to God. The Holy Spirit speaks in ways to their hearts we can’t comprehend. It’s not about doing more or being more or wondering what our impact has or will be. It’s about Jesus in us and the light He shines through us. Jesus in us changes hearts for eternity.