Facebook is a constant reminder of what my life may have looked like had a followed a “normal” path.
I may have had a “normal” college experience. Hung out with my ”normal” friends. Do “normal” things for someone in their mid-twenties. Take “normal” vacations. Make a “normal” salary for working a “normal” job.
And yet, I find myself living a life far from normal.
Normal is just an idea though. But it’s an idea that can tempt me to believe that somehow I am missing out on something. However, with three gentle words, the Lord rebuked my selfishness.
Don’t lose heart.
Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
In all honesty, what I do gives me so much joy. It’s hard to imagine doing anything else. I have so much love and hope and faith for the girls. I am so proud of them. I care so much for them. These same emotions are what make me frustrated, anxious, stressed, and worried. I want the best for them and to see anything else is not easy. And yet, God reminds me to not grow weary in what I do. He tells me to never give up. He quickly reminds me of the joy found in Him and Him alone.
For those reading this that have also given up a “normal” life: Don’t lose heart. We have a Savior who gave everything. He kept silent and endured an excrutiating death so that we may have life. He did it for the joy set before Him, and so do we. Don’t chase a “greater joy” that is rather an unrealistic temptation. In Him we find our fullness of joy.
I’ll leave you with Hebrews 12:1-2: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, andlet us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus,the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
