what really matters in life...

"Mom, I just think that sometimes we make a big deal over things that are not that important to God..." Those words still echo in my ears today. You see, last week, Lindsay and I were sitting on a rock at the peak of a 14,000 foot mountain with unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains. We were having a wonderful talk...a talk about everything from dating, our wonderful friends, God, grief, and moral issues that we both face every day. It seems that we are constantly bombarded by moral dilemmas around our house. Social drinking, smoking, cursing, going to bars, and how much our culture dictates and effects all of this, is just a few of the issues and questions that keep all of us in an ongoing dialogue.  And I might add, it keeps me on my toes. I have strong opinions about all the issues we talk about. But I am learning to listen. I am learning that these are very valid questions. And I am learning that being opinionated and argumentative is not effective in any way. I am learning to open up my mind a little bit.

You see, at 52, I have walked through a lot. I have faced some issues and problems that many of my friends have never faced. All of these experiences, and my walk with God, have carved out who I am, and what I believe. But it is so important that we all allow God to carve out our individual paths. We must never, ever depart from truth, or His Word. There are so many things that are absolutes. We should never compromise on these issues and sins. However, I am trying to learn to give everyone room and grace to allow God to carve their own path in life. If a person is seeking God with all their heart, then God will be faithful and lead them in the direction He has for them. And their path won't be the same as my path.

What really matters in life is that we love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength. It matters that we realize that life is all about Him and His glory. And it matters that we seek Him and follow Him and the path He has laid out for each of us.

So, today, God still has me on a tight leash. He knows that I need boundaries and regulations to stay on my path. My boundaries make me feel safe. But I am figuring out that the best way to teach people all God has taught me through life is to love them, to live it out in front of them, and to listen, and understand. Then allow the Holy Spirit to guide them the way He wants them to go.

This is the view we had that day we sat on the mountain and talked....my favorite place on earth! :)

Psalm 16:11

¹¹ You make known to me the path of life;
   you will fill me with joy in your presence,
   with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (NIV)

 

1 Corinthians 6:20

²⁰ you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (NIV)