There is much emphasis on notoriety and fame in our society. Our newspapers and television keep giving us the message: What counts is to be known, praised, and admired, whether you are a writer, an actor, a musician, or a politician.
Still, real greatness is often hidden, humble, simple, and unobtrusive. It is not easy to trust ourselves and our actions without public affirmation. We must have strong self-confidence combined with deep humility. Some of the greatest works of art and the most important works of peace were created by people who had no need for the limelight. They knew that what they were doing was their call, and they did it with great patience, perseverance, and love.
These reflections are taken from Henri J.M. Nouwen's Bread for the Journey.
I've been reflecting on what we have been reading in the SOLO devotional over the last few months, and I have felt that very subtle shifts have been happening in my life, to be honest, I haven't been able to really articulate this experience until I read the above Nouwen excerpt.
Daily I'm reading the readings in Solo, and I feel as if inch by inch, millimeter by millimeter, I am growing in a relationship with the Father, and in this my attitudes and perspectives seem to be shifting, and changing, one of which centers around what Nouwen's passage writes as greatness and what Santry talked about in his 6 minute blog.
Anxiety, pressures, frustrations, and jealousy associated with areas that I try get validation from seem to be slipping away. It's not that the tension is not there, and I still struggle with finding affirmation and confirmation of Gods love through things, people, and relationships that will never provide said affirmation or confirmation of that love.
I've started to notice this clearer in creating videos and graphics. When I work on a project I am finding freedom to just create and do what I do, and enjoy what I am doing. Freedom knowing that no matter how the project turns out, I am still loved.
It's amazing that the more I seem to surrender to Him, the greater satisfaction I find in my life.
I know several of us a participating Lent this year, I know some is specific to the H20 Project, others something different.
I want to encourage everyone to pray about this season of intentional living in preparation of Easter. Lent is not a season of oppressive obligation, but a season of intentionally giving up something in our lives to focus on the sacrifice of Jesus our Liberating King and the beauty of his sacrifice. In turn traditionally the lent fast is 40 days of fasting that exclude Sundays, which are used as days of feasting and celebration, so as each of us journey through lent, be sure to make time to gather together, and celebrate the gifts Christ has provided for us. Be intentional, but be specific in your feasting and sharing. I pray that as we sacrifice during this season, we can rediscover things that may be missing or forgotten in our lives. Let's also continue to pray for one another that we will be sustained in our relationships with Christ.
Peace to all you friends on this journey.
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