reader/response

13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ~James 4:13-14

lately i’ve been ignoring the present and lusting for the future. i’ve spent hours debating whether i should return to school for a practical degree and days avoiding conversations with my relationally challenged boss. i’ve constantly dreamed about more earnestly practicing the spiritual disciplines of my faith and perhaps discipling those who are seeking to do likewise, while ignoring the need to pray for both peace and the needs of the least.

but as I sit here right now, sipping tazo, tears welling, i realize that i will never have a more beautiful, good and true tomorrow if i ignore the opportunities God has placed before me today. God, help me to listen to the stories of others, instead of being lulled to sleep by my dreams today. Spirit, help me be obedient to the great commandment in this awkward office environment. Jesus it’s hard to follow you. but i’m trying, by grace through faith, to put my hand to the plow and refuse to look back.