living loved

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage… -Philippians 3:7-8

We had traditional church in a building at home this morning. There were lots of things happening between breakfast, banana bread in the oven, clothes in the washer, cleaning and prepping to celebrate milestones, and all the things that were quite frankly clouding my heart with bitterness over my hubs watching television and hanging with our son and not helping me with all the things (I’m such a Martha). When suddenly, I was HEAVILY convicted to STOP. To stop and “pick up the socks” which meant, correct your heart, serve with love, and get your family together to COLLABORATE. So, as I was attempting to stop and collaborate, then came the…and LISTEN.

So, we finally stopped, collaborated, and listened to what God needed to say to our hearts as a family. What unfolded was beyond a simple bible lesson – the Holy Spirit led, spoke, and filled our cups with conviction and love and understanding. He brought things to our attention that we have for far too long been stifling and avoiding. And when we finished with asking ourselves and each other, where are we in our personal walks with the Lord right now and in this season and in all the busyness, I shared what is in my hearts of hearts and carries such conviction – that nothing, NOTHING matters in this world if you don’t know Jesus. The words came out like a freight train going way too fast for the tracks, ” If you and dad leave here to go get fitted for your uniform and are in a terrible accident, and the Lord takes you and dad, do you understand that the only thing that matters is where you are with Jesus and eternity? That’s it, babe. That is the only thing that matters. The softball doesn’t matter. The grades never mattered. Doing those dishes never mattered. Your heart aligned with His is ALL that matters.” The table fell silent.

And in that heaviness, God reminded me, reminded us, of why we are here, why we do the things we do, why He aligns us with different families, activities, friends – to glorify Him in our dual purpose: Love Him. Love others. That’s it.

Maybe that is too heavy for you. Maybe that is too heavy for your heart. Maybe that is too heavy for your children if you have children. But #truth here, that is the reality of being a follower of Christ. We are here for Him. We are here because He chose us. We are here to love others unconditionally without anything in return (except a beautiful promise of eternity), and I need you to know that is and will always be enough.

All the things will never be enough. All the things will never make you content. All the accomplishments, your spouse’s accomplishments, your child(ren)’s accomplishments will never ever be enough. All the things will NEVER measure up to the love of the Savior, and the eternal promise we have through Him. All the things are just like the scripture says, “…a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus…” He is enough.

Keep your eyes on Him. Keep your hearts aligned with His. And be His. Everything else is just garbage.

XOXO, Loni