Lessons from Juggling

Over the course of this year, I’ve been praying that the Lord would refine me. While talking with God this past spring, this image of a person juggling beanbags came to mind. There is a split second when all the beanbags are suspended in the air and the juggler stands with his hand open, ready and waiting. In that very brief moment, the juggler has to completely rely on the laws of physics to carry out the task. At the same time, the juggler must do his part to make sure his hands are in the right position to catch the beanbag and toss it in the right direction at the correct height.

That split second of time is where I want to live my life 24-7. I want to do my part, to be responsible with the ministry I’ve been given, to be obedient to do what God has called me to do and to strive to do it with excellence. And while doing that, I don’t want to hold onto anything but to have it surrendered to God, completely relying on Him and trusting Him in the process. For a control freak like me, this can be a huge challenge but God has given me plenty of opportunities to put this into practice.

Most of you know me well enough to know that I don’t handle the unexpected or new things very well at all. As I look back on the first half of the year, 2011 has been one new experience or unexpected change after another: new apartment, new adventures, new relationships, new experiences, new responsibilities, and the list keeps going.  Some of you are laughing because you know I’m getting anxious just typing that list. However, in the midst of it all, God has proven his faithfulness and is teaching me to trust in several new ways.

Philippians 4, specifically verses 6-7, has been a key passage on this journey of God refining me.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Don’t worry. Trust me. Rest in my peace. These are the things I hear God telling me over and over again each day. It has been an exciting journey and I know there are many great adventures yet to come!