With the new year and new decade finally at hand, naturally, so are our “new” resolutions….or just the ones we failed last year. I’ve welcomed in the new year for probably fifteen of my twenty years, all partnered with goals of self improvement that quickly faded. This year is different and I feel it. My resolutions aren’t; eat less sugar, work out ___ days a week, or cut out coffee… because I really like coffee. Let me be clear, those things are not inherently BAD things to work towards, they are just things I’m not focusing on most this year.
Where is my focus?
Jesus.
Seems simple, right? In this world, though, maybe one of the harder things to do. To consistently and radically pursue Jesus daily, well that’s just tough. I think that the start of a new year allows for the beautiful opportunity to reflect. We get to reflect of the previous year; the struggles, the growth, the love, the doubt, and the faithfulness of God. We get to take a moment to give God the glory for all He has seen us through, and recognize how He has never left our side.
Before leaving for the race this past summer, I took off on the interstate to head to southern Indiana to watch some of my friends play in the Legion State tournament. The game was held three hours away, but luckily I love spontaneous trips. My dad let me take his car (thanks dad) and I left! About two hours into the trip, my friend Austin had called me and let me know that the game had been delayed because of rain, bummer, but I kept driving. The beauty of driving alone is you have so much time to think, listen to podcasts, and be thankful no one is around to judge your signing abilities. But seriously, I was working through so much in my mind, and surrendering my worries and anxieties to God, but not necessarily being still in His presence to hear Him.
The game ended up getting rescheduled for the next day and I couldn’t make it anymore. I was two and a half hours from home, in a town I’d never been in, by myself. I decided to go to a local park and walk around, and this was one beautiful park! Almost nobody was there and not going to lie, it was kind of a weird vibe. I had my sleeping pad for the Race placed over the folded down rear seats of my dads suv. It was late so I was going to just sleep, wake up, and head home.
I couldn’t sleep, so with a full mind and an empty park, God spoke. I got out of the car and walked to the lake in the center of the park. I just stood in front of this body of water as the stillness allowed surrounding lights to perfectly reflect upon the face of the lake. (picture below)
I felt the Lord speak to me, softly whispering to me,
“Do you see the water, how still it is? Take note son, when you are still in my presence, you can best reflect all that I am. You are created in my image.”
If that water was affected by the wind, I couldn’t see the light perfectly reflect on it. When we let the world swirl around us and we cling to the things that push us and pull us, we can’t best reflect the God we know.
When I reflect on what God has done in my life personally, I can better reflect His character. He offers a peace that calms the chaos and allows stillness, but only in His presence.
In 2020 I want to reflect on, and reflect, Jesus.
-Drew
Love a good indiana park. A great resolution too.”When you are still in my presence, you best reflect all that I am” Thats a good word.
Love this Drew! It’s so true that if we allow the world or others in this world to cause Chaos then like the wind that causes ripples on the water.. we too will have distortions when it comes to seeing what our father wants for us. Great read.. so meaningful and worthy of deep meditation.
Spot on. I am proud you are recognizing his gifts for you. You are a blessing. I love you!
What a beautiful blog Drew! When we reflect on all he has done and is doing daily in our lives and in the world around us ,we will constantly see him at work. He is a behind the scenes kind of God and when we stop and quiet our lives we see Him every time , my favorite part is seeing his work much ,much later. Your visual of the stillness of the water and reflection was powerful! Love you and your beautiful heart for God Drew! Love , Mom
I didn’t know I hadn’t commented until I was thinking of you this evening and thought I’d check your blogs, Drew, then saw that I was ‘MIA’ I read the blog in my email in January.. Things are settling down after a very full and very rewarding January & February, and I actually vacuumed every room but the living room today (I’ll do that in the morning).
Actually, it’s all God’s timing…rereading your blog; last Sunday’s sermon by Pastor Dwight on ‘being still’ and of course, the scripture on our living room wall: Psalm 46:10 “Be still…” Wow…you know that’s one of my favorite scriptures!
I thank the Lord that you are having this awesome opportunity to serve the Lord and grow so much in your walk with Jesus. I thought you had one more week in Ecuador before going to Cambodia, but Lori said you’re already there. Praying for God’s protection and guidance for all of the team as you begin the final stretch of the world race. Gpa and I love you…may you all continue to grow and serve on the last leg of this race! Gma D