Aware

Awareness – it is a heavy word.  It can be enlightening and joyful.  It can also cause confusion and sadness.   When we become aware of something new to us, it gives us the opportunity to stare it square in the eye or turn away.  I am learning to stare.  Stare – process – pray – then adjust (one of my new favorite words).  Awareness is a gift we are given and usually at a time when we need to shift into another gear. 

It may be a small adjustment or a life-size adjustment.  Right now I am experiencing all of the adjustment that seems possible.  Both of my girls will be in college this fall, I am currently separated in my marriage and it seems all of the next steps are out of my control.  And still, it is ok.  It is all good because during this time I am more aware of God, His peace and trusting in His plan for my life. As the beautiful hymn sings, “it is well with my soul”. It has to be. I can either fight against it or work my way through it; and I choose to put in the work to heal.

This week a group of friends and I started Jen Hatmaker’s, “7 – An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess”.  During the first challenge, we were to eat only 7 foods.  The goal was to bring awareness to a couple things:  the amount of food we have available to us and the sheer disregard we have to being grateful that we can walk into a store (or our kitchen) at any time, purchase food and simply eat.  Are you aware that half of our global population lives on less than $2 a day?  I cannot imagine.  This awareness of how much I have and how little others have is molding me into a more compassionate and grateful woman. Even during huge trials, we can find awareness, compassion and gratefulness. It is helping me keep it all in perspective.

Resources/Inspiration

Want to join in on the experimental mutiny against excess challenge?  If so, join us in the Facebook Group:  “7 | the experiment”

Amazon Video:

Made for More by Rachel Hollis

Verses:

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I Peter 5:7 (ERV) – “Give all of your worries to Him, because He cares for you.”

Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG) – “Don’t fret or worry.  Instead of worrying, pray.  Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.  Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down.  It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”

Quote:

“Do the best you can until you know better.   Then when you know better, do better. – Maya Angelou

Song/Hymn:

It Is Well – Kristene DiMarco & Bethel Music