Stepping Up

     As God would have it, life has taken an unexpected, but pleasant turn of events. Most everyone who is possibly reading this blog knows how much of a passion I have for music. And I’m sure that most of you know that I’ve been wanting to go for a Master’s Degree in music performance. It still sounds like a dream to me to be able to get that, but in reality, the only reason I would really want to get that degree is because of all the learning opportunities that would be presented at a university. I had applied, waiting to hear back from the university, and I did… Only an email that said I still needed to set up a live audition before March and go to the school for a day. Umm… It’s been a long time since I truly practiced, so that audition would have to be a miracle, along with the money to actually drive all the way to the school for one audition. The more I was thinking about it all, the less peace I was feeling.

     I felt as though I was letting God down for not following my passion; I was letting my parents down by not pursuing my music to at least get a Bachelor’s Degree; I was letting my friends down who had supported me all the way to make it into university; but most of all, I was letting myself down for not making it all the way to the end. But then God stopped me. Why would I really be getting the degree after all? I want to develop this passion and talent for music that God has given me, but I could always just study outside of a university and probably get just as good of an education. Then it hit me, “Why should I have to go to a university?” I thought about it for a while. The thought of starting a career that I would enjoy and just investing in people’s lives around me to draw them closer to God, that would be enough for me. It thrilled me to think about it, and yet so freeing at the same time. I checked my motives with God’s Word and talked it out with Him. So I should do just that!

     So here is the news for all my friends that are on the other side of the world: I’m looking for a job and waiting to see what God has next for me. Right now, I’m seeing how I can serve Him where He has currently placed me, and hoping to then be on the move until He fulfills the work He first started in my heart. Who knows what will happen next, but I’m excited for this next chapter in my life. Much love to all!

-ATTENTIVE EYES-

An Attitude Check

GALATIANS 5:22; 2 TIMOTHY 1:16-18

     I have always thought of kindness as an amiable disposition or a mild temper. But looking at the definition of the word kind, this understanding of kindness comes fourth. “Of a benevolent nature” really seems to fit the definition best, especially after looking up the definition of benevolent. It is a gentle demeanor that is actively looking for the benefit to others rather than personal gain, always seeking to help others. This is where it seems to be the catch: all of this type of fruit of the Spirit emanates completely from a character or demeanor. This is not something that I can produce but simply act in response to. When God is actively working in my life, this will be one of the many results—or should I say, “outward displays.” People won’t be able to overlook this character.
     This is one fruit of the Spirit that I really enjoy showing to others because it can meet both the spiritual and physical needs of a person. Onesiphorus was mentioned in Paul’s second letter to Timothy because of his kindness to Paul, seeking to help meet the needs that were there. We are encouraged in Philippians 2:3-4 to “count others more significant than ourselves,” looking to their interests just as much as, if not more than, we would our own. Is this the type of character I’m displaying?
     Kindness is often linked to a showing of mercy, which is one of the gifts of the Spirit. Romans 12:8 states, “…or he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” This is where I can often get hung up. I want to show kindness to others, but what good would it be if it’s not done in cheerfulness. If none of my service to others is focused on Christ, and instead focused on my current circumstances, of course I can’t be cheerful in ministering to others’ needs. When I walk around others throughout my days, I want to remember to be attentive, not in my own bubble of what needs to be done. But on top of that, I want God to check my attitude before I ever set foot outside my own door to make sure that my own heart is right before going to help others. It’s my desire to keep an attitude before God and man that is pleasing to my Savior. So how kind will I be acting this week as a result of my love for Jesus?