When I graduated from high school ... a... um... let's just say a little while ago I had this vague sort of plan for my life. I sort of knew what I was aiming for and how to generally go about it. Eventually I would end of living where i loved, doing something fulfilling. You get used to having this idea of who you are and how life is supposed to work.
It's scary after you learn life doesn't really run by a standard set of rules. If you've already learned this- than you're light-years ahead of where I was way back whenever. That's the challenge- and that's what makes life awesome, though. Life works on you. And it's going to keep coming. And whether you know it or not- you're already equipped with the real tools you need deep down inside. It's not superior education- it's not a lot of money- it's not knowing the right people or an inside track into the family business. It's about your character. It's about who you really are.
I learned the hard way that all my notions about who I think I am... like this sort of character I keep endlessly trying to play on an imagined stage every day 'till then is just made up... and thank goodness, too! How many people here are already aware of character flaws they carry with them wherever they go.
Right now you're on the edge- just about ready to take the first step to chase your own dreams for the first time. Don't be surprised if your dreams are only hints of the journey before you, instead. Life can take you places, you know.
"It's a dangerous business stepping out your door. If you don't hit your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."
I'm from Albuquerque, NM... I've learned first hand what it means to set out and come back home- only to leave again. It's ok to have wanderlust. It's ok to live your own life- whatever comes. Because God gives us this freedom to live out the life he's laid out before us. Let the current take you- but don't forget to steer.
You'll find being called is an ancient theme...
The Call of Abram
Genesis 12:1-4
12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
Like Abram... people get our name wrong- especially in the early years... and maybe perhaps it's because we haven't quite figured out who we are yet anyway.
Like Abram we're being called out from our 'normal' lives into a far green country... we may have to go through an odyssey to get there... but we are promised we, one day, will. We're being called out from what we're used to... our homes where we grew up- the street names we memorized when we were little into a way brand new... which God is showing us.
Like Abram- we're going to be made into something great, as God defines 'Great'. And He will bless us. Our secret identity, the name of who we really are which we don't even know yet, God will reveal to us- and make us Great.
He's with us. He's also with others who are with us. People will come and go in your life. The ones that stick with you are the ones you end up keeping. The ones you stick with are the ones who are kept.
Who you are- who you REALLY are, among many things, is actually a blessing to the whole world. Each person you influence, interact with- how you treat people and yourself- this is you changing the world- for good or ill. Who you really are is a powerful, beautiful blessing- if you choose to give it.
... but you have to go. You have to take that first step through your front door onto the road. And maybe take a friend or two with you. -who cares if you're young... in all these coming of age stories... along the way you learn how old or young you were doesn't matter. It's who you are- your identity - and who you're becoming through each conscience choice which matters.
This is, after all, your story. Now go live it.
In closing, because I've probably blathered on enough now... is one of my favorite life verses
Jeremiah 29:11-13:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
God bless- let's pray.
Like what you read? Join in with your own insights, stories and art- send them to ryanpfreeman1@aol.com. Thanks and God bless -Ryan
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