Perspective changes everything. I know this, yet I so often have to fight for my perspective to be in the right place. My current struggle is with being content where I am at. Don't get me wrong, I have many things to be thankful for, but being content has been tough recently. I have those moments where I just stop and think to myself, "Seriously, what am I doing with my life?" I have a good job, but it is not my passion. I am grateful to be involved in youth ministry alongside my husband, but I wish I had more time and energy to devote to those teenagers. I also wish I had more time and energy to invest in to my home and my marriage. I often feel like our lives are so crazy busy and the weeks go by so fast, but what am I really filling my time with? I have dreams and passions on my heart that I want to pursue, but time is not on my side, and unfortunately neither are finances. Aaron and I have big dreams, but I feel so stuck right now. But I have to choose to fight for joy, to trust that God is writing our story even when I am frustrated, and that God hears every cry of my heart. I have to trust that His, "not now" is for my best and all of His plans for our lives are good. I have to choose to be thankful rather than discouraged, knowing that God is good. I have to enjoy the little things, like tonight, some warm, yummy soup for dinner, jeans and a hoodie at a high school football game, and a beautiful fall night sitting out on the back porch, having a glass of wine with my husband. I choose joy.
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| Our new "Soup" bowls I made for us :) |
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| I <3 Football! |
Great post, Caroline. Perspective and expectations are so critical to joy and fulfillment.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are doing incredible work to change lives forever. I think it would be safe to say you only see the tip of the iceberg of the impact you're having. Everything comes in seasons and I pray you will find all the joy there is for you as you move from season to season.
"Seriously, what am I doing with my life?" when i read that i thought, "She's kidding, right?" then i remembered how we feel as we're doing our routine life - day after day, week after week - we get used to it, it becomes normal, old, routine. i look at you and aaron with wonder. your youth attracts the youth. working with teenagers and being able to do it well is a gift that will never go unnoticed or to waste. my friend luke is right about prospective. from our view your work is breathtaking because we are on top of the mountain looking out at you. you are inside the forests making such a difference. stand on top of the mountain once in a while and take a look at your work. find joy in it and then climb back down.
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