Change course...

This past year I learned other people's views of me simply won't get me into heaven. Yes, I've heard this all my life, but I completely understand it now.

It is so easy to turn our focus away from the Lord and on pleasing others. Early mornings, late nights, packed calendar, and completely over committed. Ever detail of our day is planned, organized, and we are exhausted before we even begin the day.

What I'm about to say may hit you so hard that your head spins.... Often when I would try to clear my calendar out I would think, "If I don't do it then no one else will!" The reality is this- yes someone will or the thing that has been stealing your time simply will be left behind.

I had the opportunity to step out of my life. God took me out of the crazy and placed me in a new place that allowed me to look at my life from a distance. Every relationship good and bad, every hurt, every failure, and every desire laid out in front of me. It hasn't been easy! It has been heartbreaking, humbling, and simply difficult.

The relationships/commitments that I poured into and even robbed from other relationships/commitments were brought to light. The question, "Why did you do that?" I realized my need to belong was driving my life.

The reality is I missed out on some really awesome parts of my life because I was trying to do good, be good---so I could fit in, measure up, and be noticed.

Bottom line- What God thinks matters! When we base our self-worth on what others think hurt will be the result.