Maximizing this Gift

Got an email from a friend just now about the delicacy of life. Though I'm very focused on getting some work done before church today, I've decided to drop it aside and share a little.

Most people have a routine after waking up every morning. Some toss and turn in their beds for a while, and then head straight to the bathroom. Some shower in the morning before doing anything else. Some...like me...sit, shower, and drink a large glass of water before starting my day. Regardless, it's less of my concern of how we live our routines - the more important thing is, do we give thanks to God for giving us another day to live?

I remember 3 major accidents (not to mention the minor ones that happens a few times every week) that happened in the past 5 months. Every time I think about them, it sends chills down my spin. So close - just that close. I would have died if the timing was missed by a split second.

Relating to my experiences lately [been wanting to type a blog on it for the longest time but have yet to find the time], I've learned one simple thing - to glorify God wherever you are. It sounds so cliche, but it's not something that we constantly are reminded of. Everyday, the society pushes us to strive for more. Our own ambitions nudges us to go that extra mile merely for our own pleasures. Competitiveness and pride overrules us with the notion that we are never satisfied, and we end up wanting more and more. Self-sufficiency simply draws us away from God Himself.

The paradox (maybe this isn't even the right word to use) of surrender and freedom. Lately as I try my best to deepening my relationship with Him, I realized that burdens are lifted up automatically. Every time I go back to the cross, have my eyes fixed on His glory, everything simply fades away as if they never existed. Problems are no longer as large as they are, because He gives you rest and refuge. Every time I get yelled at work because of injustice issues...prayer leads me back to Him and He simply puts a smile again to face the next customer :)

Just wanted to encourage you all that would ever read this to spend time with Christ today. Your life is truly a gift from Him, the freedom that you have been given to you freely, and there's always hope at time when you feel like everything is going wrong (struggles with sin, with problems, even simply with life).

"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." Acts 20:24

A Small Update

Been really tired and bummed out lately. Work has been draining, and it was at one time really difficult for me to find a purpose of why Starbucks...

Slowly as I work through my thoughts, and dwell in His words...I find that living the life you're called to is just that simple! Sometimes we over-think questions like: why am I here for? What is God calling me to? What is my vocation?...

For me (at least in the time being), I've learned that maybe God's will for us is simply to live your life as He has placed you there. Many things have worked in it's own ways, some may call it coincidences; some may call it destiny; and for Christians - we call it God's will. At this moment, God clearly led me to Starbucks, not sure how long He wants me to be here...not sure why exactly this super busy frantic location...not sure why with these co-workers...but I'm sure along the way, whether it's through stretching me for personal growth, or to share His love with others, He has placed me here this very moment.

-----

My pea brain has been scattered and scrambled lately. Frantically trying to get my act together has caused me to be so paralyzed. Emotionally, physically, and mentally paralyzed. Though I have to say for one thing that I'm grateful for...during these times of struggles, God has been pulling me closer and closer to Him. If not with full contentment, I dare to say that He's been filling me up. When days were rough, simply journaling and praying to Him has given me strength. Slowly, little by little, I'm learning to depend on God for fulfillment of my emptiness.

Need to work...so I'll keep this short. I'll type another post very soon (hopefully when I find the time). There's so much I've learned lately that I want to share!! :)