(January 23, 2018)
Lord, I received a much-needed reminder that busyness isn’t the same thing as productiveness. Nor is working for you the same thing as working with you. Once again, I have caught myself running myself in circles and wearying myself out.
Thank you for reminding me that you are the source of my inspiration and the wellspring of my life. I can do plenty of things in my own strength; but the things that truly matter, the things that will have a lasting impact—those are the things I need your strength to accomplish.
Thank you for this reminder. Plant it deep within my heart so that it continues to grow and take root so firmly that nothing else can choke it out.
If I’m going to succeed in the work you have called me to—the work of encouraging and building up others, so that they in turn can pursue their calling—I can’t be so busy trying to figure out how I’m supposed to move forward each day, that I forget to include you in my planning.
—Jen
P.S. I didn’t record what it was that served as this reminder, but the lesson itself has stuck with me. In the past three years, I’ve spent more time being intentional about the work I’m doing, the things that I’m learning, and the ways that I’m trying to grow as a writer, an editor, and an individual. And while there are still days I forget to invite the Lord into a project or plan, I have found that I don’t head as far down the road before looking back as I did before. And—from my perspective, anyway—it’s beginning to show in everything that I do. Endure fort, my friends!