So it's been awhile since I've posted anything at all, much less anything worth reading. But I'd like to share a few thoughts from our Small Group Bible Study. We meet every Tuesday night and have recently started going through the book of James. Last year we took on Romans, covering a chapter every week or so. The practicality and straightforwardness of James has been a change of pace, one that I'm increasingly excited about.
In chapter 1 we read the well-known verses on facing trials and how we ought to go about that joyfully. I had to admit to the group that trials in my life don't exactly make me a joyful person, much less one of PURE joy. We discussed ways to turn trials into triumphs, how each experience we go through helps our attitude adjust for the next struggle that will inevitably come our way. But the two points I took away from our time are these:
1. Having joy in the middle of our trials is an incredible testimony to those around us. I see this time and again in other people, but hope that I too can seek out the good in everything so that those watching me will see God in me, despite any turmoil at the time.
2. Trials in our lives further God's kingdom. Many times we discover after the fact that God has worked in various situations for good later down the road. It takes time to realize that. But do we stop and consider as we are enduring a trial that God is doing amazing things through it at that very moment?
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In other news, I can't relate the excitement at having this week over with! It's been a tough one, but one of accomplishment and great relief as well. God is good.
Archive for January 2008
Found this quote about long runs in an article the other day and liked it...
"The question of suffering comes up often when you discuss running with those who don't care for it. These people assume that discomfort is compounded by the mile. How to convince them that, in fact, the opposite is true, that there are gains not realized in shorter runs? Time, for one--unfettered time, free from all the technological intrusions that have altered the rhythm of our existence and increased, for many of us, friction. Time to work out your problems. Time to listen. Every run has its own sound track, but long runs are symphonic: The rustle of wind through bare autumn trees, the train a mile away through the swamp, the thrum of an interstate so insulated from the green tunnel of a tow-path that it could well be the sea. And there is the internal rhythm to consider, the way it leaves your body feeling exhausted but sublimely sated, as if the time you spent in rhythmic friction had answered a question you did not even know you had."
