The most important thing about you is not the things you achieve; it is the person that you become.” – Dallas Willard

Sometimes, It is helpful, just to hit the pause button in our day for a few moments to reflect on how we are doing on the inside. It is interesting to note that we are more than “Human Doings” going from task to task, we are “Human Beings”. It is one thing to be outwardly successful but how tragic it is when the inside of our lives, our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors are a mess. There needs to be a healthy balance.

Of all the books I have read this year; the most encouraging, impactful and challenging one is about this very same topic. It is…”Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You” by John Ortberg. Reading this book {slowly, underlining highlights and making notes) has helped me to better understand how to keep a proper attitude and focus. That is so important for us to do that, regardless of our circumstances. If we keep the right attitude and focus it will allow us to continue to grow in whatever circumstances we go through in our lives. We grow by having an open mind and trusting in the Lord even when we don’t fully understand everything that we are dealing with in our lives. The end result as we look back later on this time in our life, we will see things like…the lessons we have learned, new opportunities to see God work in our lives and how God can use our experiences to actually help others.

While attending a conference some years ago, they gave us a button with these letters printed on it: PBPWMGINFWMY. The meaning of it, was a very powerful statement: “Please Be Patient with Me God Is Not Finished With Me Yet.” What encouraging words for us to remember and think about. This also reminds me of one of my favorite Bible verses: “God is the One who began this good work in you, and I am certain that He will not stop before it is complete on the day that Christ Jesus returns.” – Philippians 1:6 (CEV). We are a work in progress. Do not be discouraged, God has not given up on you and me.

I am still learning, growing, and going through stuff like everybody else here on planet Earth. The key is to not just go through life, but to grow as we go…