A moment of clarity

Lev 23

When I got off the plane in San Antonio yesterday, walking passed all of the people at their gates, I overheard a man on the phone discussing something important to him.  My first reaction was realizing that we get so focused on things that aren't really that important in the grand scheme of things.  Then I realized that God is patient with us and allows many things to be important to him because they are important to us. I was so impressed as I walked passed all of these people with this basic truth that I had to whisper it, "God loves all of these people.  He made each and every one special and unique, and he loves each and every one."

Heavenly Father, thank you for your constant love.  May my life be a conduit of your love. I love you, and I want you to live your life through me.  I ask in the name of Jesus Christ.

the gift of teaching

Ex 35ff

³⁴ And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others.

I know that I'm pulling this out of context, but...

My Uncle George passed away, and his funeral was this past Saturday.  Person after person stood up and spoke about how he had pulled them under his wing, encouraged them, and propelled them on to carry out their dreams in life.  It was an amazing example of the life of Christ at work in a human.  I am inspired by my Uncle George and his example to live in a way that consistently impacts people.

Yesterday and today, I have the opportunity to visit and observe faculty at the Olin college of engineering near Boston.  It was very exciting to see their innovative curriculum and teaching methods at work.

I genuinely believe that the Lord has called me to be a teacher as a professional, and I believe that he has given me a gift of spiritual teaching.  I need to submit to His leadership and allow Him to empower me to impact people.

Heavenly Father, I love you, and I want to be useful to you.  Lord Jesus, please use me to advance your Kingdom.  Holy Spirit, may I trust you and listen to you and not try to operate in my flesh.  I love you, and I ask in the name of Jesus Christ.

Motivation for over committed lifestyle

Exodus 30

I told Jerod the other day that I am stressed and anxious from being overcommitted, and he asked me about my motivation for saying "yes" to everything.

I think part of it is that I want people to like me.

I thought part of it was that I was fearful to lose my job.  But Jerod pointed out that I could probably get another job and still be able to provide for my family.

So, my temporary conclusion is that I am fearful of not getting tenure because I don't want people to think that I am a failure.

Heavenly Father, please help me understand why I compulsively overcommit.  Please purify my motivation for work.  I want to walk in the Spirit.  I love you, and I ask in the name of Jesus.