Life as I know it...

This morning when I saw a headline in the newspaper, it set me thinking.
Lately, one of my most common phrases during the day was: “I am so busy!” I realize that this is a common phenomenon of modern man (and woman) and that I am joining most of the world when I say :I just can’t get to everything that I really want to do. But then I thought what would happen if the president (any president for that matter) declared that he wants me to spend a day with him. Without thinking twice I will cancel all my prior commitments, take a day off work (and not feel guilty about the work that I left on my desk) and prepare myself to be fully presentable and available to the president for that day of his choice.
How much more, should I be ready to put all things aside for the King of Kings, the Lord of this Universe, when He calls my name? How much more should I be ready to spent time in his presence, putting away my to-do list, my diary of appointments, my worries for the day, and just BE with the most important Person in the universe.

At the same time, I am also deeply convicted of time spent pursuing things instead of people (the second most important thing in the universe) Yesterday I spent a wonderful day at a very good friend’s wedding. One of the things that was said about her, was that she was “focused energy” - she has the ability to be so fully present in the moment, that by spending time with her you feel like the most important person in the world. She is fully focused on you, your needs and your world, putting all other things aside at that moment.
This morning in my quiet time I lay the desire to be more like that in front of my God, recognizing in me the tendency to take on (and think of) so many things at once that my focus becomes watered down. I desire to be able to put all things aside (at any given moment) to spent time with my King or with people around me.
And THAT my friend, is what it is all about; LOVING GOD & LOVING PEOPLE (above all else); nothing more, nothing less. Life - in a nutshell.

So, what have I kept myself busy with…
Well, November 2007, when I came back from Australia to Great Brak River in South Africa, I was ready to pour myself into being back home and embracing all that it would hold - for a season. Like many other times in my life I saw this as a season of preparation for the next step, the next flight to another country, ready to take on the new challenge that God has for me. “8 months”, I thought, “would be long enough…”
A year later, I am reflecting on the marvellous things that God has done (and is doing) in my life here in the Garden Route, having (once again) so much more in store for me that I could ever have dreamt up or thought of!

Some incredible highlights of this season in my life -
· I became part of a wonderful spiritual family, who not only nurtures me and disciples me in a way that I have never quite experienced before, but also gives me room to give of myself and be a part of a life changing force that is bringing about amazing things in our town and in this part of South Africa -the Kingdom of God.
· I am staying on my own (for the first time in 26 years!) in a wonderful little flat (my dad’s holiday flat) which gives me room to “be”, to rest, to “kuier” (hang out with friends) and be independent- a wonderful privilege that I remain thankful for. (I even enjoy washing my own dishes!!) And oh, did I mention that I live 10 minutes walk from the beach!!
· I got my driver’s license (yes, after a looooong time…) and I got my own little car. Her name is Maya, and I am enjoying her sooooo much!! (Freedom!!!)
· In August, I got a permanent job, as part of an adminteam in a call centre. This also comes directly from God’s heart, as I am working with one of my best friends, and it is a company where the leadership really seeks God (we pray together every morning) and recognize God as our CEO. Also, at the same time, it is a place where I can make an impact on people’s lives and live out my testimony in a very practical way, every day. I am learning so much from this opportunity, and though my heart is ultimately for ministry & missions (that has not changed) I recognize that I am exactly where I am supposed to be at the moment and God is teaching me incredibly valuable lessons and preparing me for whatever He has in store for me. I am also seeing the incredible power of ministry IN THE WORKPLACE, and I am really enjoying being used in this way…
· I got a boyfriend! After many years of being single, I feel like God has brought this into my life as well. There are many things that I can say about it (I’m open to any email questions…) but for now, at the start of this relationship I am deeply thankful for the joy it brings and also deeply dependant on God, recognizing that He sees the bigger picture and that He holds us both in His hands, and He is the only One who knows what He has in store for us.

When I look over my list, I realize that these are all such NORMAL things, a house, a car, a job, a boyfriend, but if you know me at all, and know a bit about my life in the past 7 years, you will know how extra-ordinary these things are to me, and what is even more extra-ordinary is the work that God has done in my life that I will be at a point in my life that these things matter to me and that I am completely joyful about having them in my life. I am really happy and at peace, and for the first time in a long time, I don’t have a desire to be anywhere else in the world, than where I am. (for now!)

So, what remains to be said is that I am incredibly thankful to everyone (near and far, very near, and very far!) who is part of my extra-ordinary normal life which I would not exchange for anything in this world!

Whether you hear from me often or not, I deeply appreciate you and love having you in my life! THANK YOU!

---

---