What I Learned

Hello all!

Remember when I told you I was house-sitting for some friends of mine? I told you that my goals were to grow in my relationship with God and discern His leading for the next steps of life. I even asked for your prayers as I strove to meet these goals.

Well, I have three things to say. First off, I thank you for your prayers. God did show up and some things did happen.

The second is this: I failed. I was not consistent in my walk with God. I did not spend nearly as much time with Him as  I had opportunity to do so. I spent more time watching TV than reading my Bible. I did more snacking on junk food than feasting on the Bread of Life.

But I do have one more thing to say. Even though I did not accomplish my goals, I did learn some things. I learned that a perfect environment and ideal circumstances are not enough to keep a relationship going. There has to be communication. Just being aware of someone's presence isn't knowing them. You need to talk to them, listen to them. These are the fundamentals of communication. When you add honesty (about your hopes, fears, dreams and struggles) and humility (admitting your errors, your weaknesses) the relationship goes from basic to thriving.

I learned that this is how I renew and maintain a relationship with my Creator: talking to Him (prayer, journaling) and listening to Him (through His Word, sermons, God-honoring music) as well as being honest and humble before Him.

I could be alone on the wooded shore of a placid lake or in a store surrounded by a million people and still have a wonderful relationship with my heavenly Father. If only I communicate.

What are some ways that you encourage communication with God in your own life?
Comment below!