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| St. Augustine Lighthouse |
I have these types of awakenings from time to time. There were many during my graduate work - the title of my portfolio was "Awakenings and Reflections" which is where I came up with the name for this blog. Or maybe it was the other way around. I don't remember. I just know that it is very important to me to always reflect on the various aspects of my life and, hopefully, discover new things about myself in the process.
Though, not so many awakenings lately. It's as if the busyness of life has devoured my capacity for self-discovery. I reflect all the time. While I'm cooking, watching a movie, trying to sleep, taking a shower - I'm always reflecting on my purpose in life and trying to figure out what God actually wants me to do.
This has been one of my recent awakenings: our plans are not always His. I figured this out when my plans began failing. As I was torturing myself about why things weren't happening the way I wanted them to, it occurred to me that maybe it was because they weren't meant to. Ah ha moment.
What do I do now? I am not really sure. So, I just start praying. I pray for guidance and for clarity. I pray for strength while I continue to reach upward. I pray that I see the signs God shows me and that I understand they are from Him. Most of all, I pray for patience and the ability to transcend the busyness of life so that I can be more open to life's amazing awakenings.
*I'm participating in the 2013 A to Z Challenge. Every day in April (except for Sundays) I will be posting according to a letter of the Alphabet. To read more about my theme, click here.
Hi, Jaime,
ReplyDeleteI just commented on another blog, that God's plans are not always our plans. His, of course, are always the best plans for us.
Love your first word for the A-Z. ;)
I've been hearing this theme a lot lately. I think that He's trying to tell me something:)
DeleteYour post is a good reminder for me to stop agonizing and start praying. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday and Happy A to Z!
It's easy to forget to pray when we are so busy. That's why reminders are always a good thing. Happy Monday to you as well.
DeleteAwakenings are All Jaime. May the answers come in time. G.d bless.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan!
DeleteJaime,
ReplyDeleteAwakenings. I really like that!
I think the way I approach that is through introspection. And sometimes it can be a bit uncomfortable to 'introspect', but I think it's useful to figure out why we do what we do, when we can. Great post!
I agree. One of the hardest things I've had to do is watch myself on video in a coaching situation. It was extremely eye-opening.
DeleteThis is great! I know that feeling--the realization that our plans are not always God's. It makes control-freak me freak out because then I know I'm not in control. :) But it's also encouraging because, after all, God is a much better manager of my life than I am!!
ReplyDeleteJaimie
Living in the Light
I agree. It's even more difficult for us control-freaks to accept this:)
DeleteThe best feeling in the world is just trusting that He has the greatest plans written for you.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! When we do, it's like a weight is lifted off our shoulders.
DeleteGod is amazing! i love the aha moment of awakening, realizing, "so this is why that happened!"
ReplyDeletehard to deal with at the time, but wirth getting thru!
great to meet you!
If only we could see the big picture while in the midst of chaos.
DeleteGood morning fellow A-Zer. I love the idea about Awakenings, makes you stop and think!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting! Now that I'm settled for the evening, I'm looking forward to reading everyone's posts.
DeleteThis can be such a struggle sometimes... I'm so much better at seeing these things in retrospect than I am at seeing them in the NOW. Like God kept thwarting my efforts to move "back home" to the Northwest from Southern California and it frustated me so much... until I finally threw up my hands, gave in, and said "Ok. If this is where you want us, this is where we'll be." And it was only when I learned to place that trust that God said "Good. NOW you can go."
ReplyDeleteWow. I love to hear things like this. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteI have also talked about Awakenings in the A to Z in the past. Though mine took me into the exact opposite path of Atheism.
ReplyDeleteStill. Looking forward to seeing what you do all month.
--
Tim Brannan
The Other Side and The Witch
Red Sonja: She-Devil with a Sword
The Freedom of Nonbelief
Thanks for visiting, Timothy. I'm looking forward to reading your posts as well. I know that we all don't believe in the same thing - I appreciate your authenticity.
DeleteI think a lot of times people miss the awakenings life gives them because they are too wrapped up in worries and material objects. Well said, Jaime! And I loved that you used the lighthouse for your photo!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather! I used to worry about everything. I've even been known to worry about worrying. It never did me any good.
DeleteYou'll probably recognize many of my photos this month:)
awakenings--i love the thought of this!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Lynn!
DeleteI do a lot of reflecting during those automatic moments like brushing teeth, doing laundry, etc, too.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you through A to Z.
It's so easy to let our minds drift while we are doing those every day things. You as well, Susan.
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