For the first time in a very, very long time, I have been reading the Bible. Not to study, not to achieve a goal, but just reading; soaking it in. I started with Song of Songs one night when I couldn't sleep and read the whole thing through. Wow. I have read bits and pieces here and there but wow.
If you think the Bible encourages prudishness, read Song of Songs! Seriously. It is amazing. There are a lot of meanings that can be gleaned from it depending on what context you put it in (God's love for the church vs. a man and woman in love). Since I'm engaged, I totally took it and read it with the thought in mind of a man and a woman in love. Great to know that God encourages us to love one another unreservedly, passionately even! I can't wait to be able to express my love fully to Eric! I know it may not make sense to wait, but to me, reading something like Song of Songs tells me that waiting is going to be worth it.
I read the Message version. If you want to read the Bible as a story and not for deep studying, it's a great version. I'm not endorsing this website as I don't know what all is on it, but you can read all of Song of Songs in the Message version here:
After reading through Song of Songs, I started in on the Proverbs. Another great book to just start soaking in what God has to say to us about life. Every so often I'll jot down a verse or even some notes. This morning I came across Proverbs 15:32 and I had a realization I wanted to share.
Proverbs 15:32
"An undisciplined, self-willed life is puny; an obedient, God-willed life is spacious."
I have definitely been experiencing this in my life. Over the last few years, I've felt trapped, bored and stuck. Not that I haven't had fun moments or had amazing things happen, but overall, I felt like I was in this little box called life. During the internship I did a few years back with my church, life seemed open and full of possibilities and for the first time, this morning, I've realized it wasn't because of how much free time we had, like I'd always believed. It was because my heart was open to God. God has plans for my future and they are glorious! I may not be going on exotic trips, become famous or do something extraordinary, but it can be glorious still. I don't have to feel stuck or bored. I can experience life fully doing just want I'm doing now and that is awesome! I don't need more time or money. I just need more of God.
Was there ever a point in your life that you would go back to if you could because life felt so full of possibility? Do you think it's possible to get that feeling back? |
| Blast from the past - Summer 2007 - OBC Interns |
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| And one more from that summer because it's a happy picture :) |
Oh gosh there are so many moments that were full of possibility that I would love to go back to. I would love to go back and enjoy it more maybe or take more risks, but definitely not change my decision from the past. I hope it is possible to get that feeling back, because those are the moments that people are truly themselves. I remember when I decided to move away from home and go to college in Nebraska and it was my first day there. That day was so full of possibilities. No one knew me and I could start fresh. That day came and went and several other days like it as well. So I definitely think that you can get that feeling or moment back it might just be based around a different situation or moment. I think that I thrive off of those big moments. Im hoping for one soon or something like it!!!
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