“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
When I was young, I was just like everyone else. I had plans for my life. I thought I’d have a family of my own. I thought I’d be a world traveler. I thought I’d love waking up to go to work. Yesterday, I turned 28. My life is nothing how I planned…at least not right now.
I’ve been on this roller coaster called life and it almost got the best of me. I almost tapped out a few times, but God….he rescued me!
While reflecting on my journey, I’ve come to realize that life is so short. I know we intellectually say and know that, but are we really getting it? We have all these plans, but do any of them matter in the long run? Will they stand the test of time? Think for a moment. Where do you see yourself in 10 years and what are you doing? Do any of your plans help build for eternity?
Think of a fresh cup of hot chocolate. It’s steam rises with the heat. Soon though, the hot chocolate is cooled, and the steam is gone. That’s basically life. I don’t mean to be morbid, but one thing is certain and that is death! We don’t know how, and we don’t know when we will no longer exist here. So, I’m writing this because I don’t want life to escape us! I have realized that there are some things in life that absolutely do not matter. There is so much chatter around us that it can be hard to focus on what’s real. We get so busy chasing after our own plans and forget living and working through what God has placed right in front of us. Then we wonder why we’re circling the mountain so many times. Then years go by and we find ourselves in a place asking where life went. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to keep saying that. In 10 years, I want to be able to reflect and not feel like time has escaped me. I want to use it all.
Yes, dreaming and planning is great, but just remember that you don’t hold the blueprint to your life. God does. I know it can be a little scary not knowing when and how things will manifest in your life, but trust that if you are our Father’s child, everything is for your good!
So, for me, year 28 WILL BE GREAT! I have plans, but I know God has some too! I’m making more room for him. I’m choosing wisdom! I’m choosing to yield to his will. I’m choosing to step out of my comfort zone. I’m allowing him to elevate me higher!
What will YOU choose?
Chasing Real 
Great post Stephanie and Happy Birthday again! The plans that I have are centered around living a life loving people as hard as I can. My life’s mission is to notice people, to make them a priority, to listen to them… particularly when their perspective is different than mine, to honor their stories and background, to not be afraid of their sin, to share the Good News with them, and to serve them. If I do that, I feel like my time will be used really well, and whenever I do depart from this earth, I will be fulfilled. Thanks for reminding us that life is short and we need to have purpose and meaning.
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Yes Tobe! That sounds like time well spent.
I love when you said you want to notice people and listen to them… even when they have a different perspective. I believe that is so important. I think that many of us shy away from those who are not like us, but God calls us to love everyone. He even assigns us to help those who see life differently.
I once had a different perspective, but I can name people who continually shined their light towards me. They remained who they were in Christ even when I opposed them. I am so thankful for them because God showed himself to me through them.
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Awesome word Stephanie!
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