Finding Your Footing

      

Things Above-Meet the Here and Now!

Imagine a tightrope walker. You see them poised high above the ground, seemingly fearless. But you don't see the countless hours of practice, the near falls, and the constant adjustments. Life can feel like that tightrope, especially in your 20s and 30s.

Yes, the world stretched before you, a vast and sometimes terrifying landscape of possibilities. It's a season of immense potential, where career paths are twisting and turning, and relationships are blossoming. You have dreams, anxieties of the unknown, and the burning desire to figure it all out. It's a prime time for feeling lost in the shuffle but also a time for significant growth.

I can tell you this: I don't have all the answers. But I've learned a lot about the questions worth asking. And that's what this blog is about —building that inner strength, that sense of 'footing,' so you can navigate whatever challenges come your way." So, when do you even begin to find solid ground?

Search for Stability💚

Two biblical texts offer surprisingly relevant guidance for navigating this modern maze: The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Colossians 3:2 urging us to "set your affection on things above, not on things in the earth, and Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes 3:1(NKJV) reminds us that "to everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven,". At first glance, they contradict each other. How can we focus on the eternal while being present in the real, messy here and now? Let's break it down. Setting our affection on things above means prioritizing spiritual values like love, kindness, and compassion in our daily lives. Embracing the seasons of life means accepting and making the most of the different stages we go through, whether it's a time of growth, rest, or even difficulty.

Finding Strength with In!💪

These verses aren't at odds; they're two sides of the same coin. They speak to the delicate balance we all crave: finding meaning and purpose in today while keeping our eyes fixed on something bigger than ourselves. It's about cultivating a mindful awareness of the present moment, the season we're in while anchoring our souls in something timeless and genuine.

Reflections🤔

Think about it. How much time do we spend scrolling, comparing, and striving for achievements that often leave us empty? We're bombarded with messages telling us what we should be doing, where we should be, and what we should own. It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of earthly pursuits, chasing after fleeting highs that fail to satisfy.

That's where Colossians 3:2 comes in. It's not saying we should ignore our earthly responsibilities or detach from the world around us. Instead, it's a gentle nudge to re-evaluate our priorities. What are we truly investing our time, energy, and affection in? Are these things building us up or temporary fixes for a more profound longing? For instance, if you're passionate about your career, how can you use your skills and influence to impact others positively? How can you support and encourage your partner's personal growth and spiritual journey if you're in a relationship?

Spiritual Growth🙋

However, this isn't about becoming a monk or abandoning all ambition. It's about aligning our desires with something more profound. It's about recognizing that true fulfillment isn't found in external validation or material possessions but in connecting with our values, cultivating meaningful relationships, and living a life of purpose. As I once realized, "The pursuit of happiness is a journey, not a destination. It's about finding joy in the present moment and grounding yourself in values that transcend the fleeting nature of earthly things." (I learned to trust God for tomorrow's provision today). Let me share a personal story that illustrates this. As a single mom, I had to put the principles of God to work, and his promises always covered every issue I was facing. So, I never worried about not being doing or having enough- Read the first five chapters of Proverbs.

Now, Ecclesiastes 3:1(NKJV). It reminds us that life is a series of seasons. There's a time for planting, a time for reaping, a time for joy, and a time for sorrow. We can't rush the seasons, nor can we skip over the difficult ones. They're all part of the process. But we can learn to be present now and be aware of what's happening around us. It's about engaging in the moment, using all of your senses to recognize your season, whether it's a season of growth, rest, or even pruning. It's about being fully present in your experiences, both the good and the bad, and learning from them. If you're curious about mindfulness, check out Article or Mindful Worship.

This combination of setting our affections on things above and embracing the seasons of life is a potent recipe for navigating the challenges of our 20s and 30s. It allows us to pursue our goals with passion and intention while remaining grounded in something bigger than ourselves. It reminds us that our worth is not tied to our accomplishments or social media following but to our inherent value.

Challenge💥

This week, I challenge you to take some time for reflection. Where are you investing your time and energy? Are these things aligned with your values? What season of life are you currently in, and how can you fully embrace it? Try incorporating a few minutes of mindfulness into your day, even focusing on your breath. See what shifts, even subtly, in your perspective(POV=point of view)and /or prospective (PTTF=point to the future)). It's a journey, not a race. And remember, you're not alone in navigating this beautiful, messy, and ultimately meaningful stage of life.

Final Thought💬

Finding our footing in this stage of life isn't about achieving some perfect balance between the earthly and the heavenly. It's not about having all the answers or getting it right all the time. It's a continuous process of learning, growing, and recalibrating. Some days, we'll be more focused on the "things above," and other days, we'll be deeply immersed in the "seasons" of life. 

The key is to keep striving, seeking, and leaning into the wisdom of these ancient truths. Embrace the journey, the ups and downs, the twists and turns. In these moments, in the messy middle, we truly discover what it means to live a life of purpose, grounded in faith and open to the unfolding of God's plan.

 Prayer🙏

Lord, thank you for your love, grace, and unwavering presence. Today, forgive me for allowing my affections to be often drawn to this world's fleeting things. I have been seeking success, validation, and material possessions, usually neglecting your love and grace. Help me to re-align my heart, to fix my gaze on the eternal, on the things that truly matter. My name is written in the Lambs Book of Life. Remind me that true fulfillment comes not from what I achieve but from who I am in you. I offer this Prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.