Day 11: If your life were a metaphor (e.g., a race, a garden, a song, a book),
what would it be and why?
I'm all about metaphors, and I heard one yesterday that I LOVE:
Jon Tyson was on John Eldredge's podcast (yes, please, to that group hangout!), and he talked about a book called Great by Choice (already purchased as my next audible read). He shared a story about two very different training approaches for serious mountain climbing... One group did 20 miles a day regardless of the weather. They were consistent and focused, never allowing the weather or outside circumstances to dictate their gameplan for the day. The other group was reactive, really pushing themselves and going 30-40 miles on the beautiful days, but setting up camp and waiting it out if there was a blizzard. The first group reached their goal working together, and in spite of very rough weather, everyone survived and did well. The second group experienced several deaths and losses, and most failed to reach the summit. Jon compared that to our walk with God, emphasizing the need to be consistent in our spiritual disciplines rather than reacting to our daily mood or circumstances. (It could apply to any number of things - consistency over reactivity.)
I'm happy God loves metaphor, too. He uses a lot of metaphorical language, mostly gardening (Vine and branches, the parable of the good soil; trees planted by rivers of water; oaks of righteousness) and racing (the race marked out for you; throw off everything that hinders; run with endurance).
His Word also has a lot to say about battle (your enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour; the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds; put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground). Importantly, this is not a fiction-based metaphor, but a literal spiritual reality that God wants us to be deeply aware of and on guard for. Since John Eldredge forever changed my worldview about that in 2007, I have done my best to put hard things into that warfare context, but it's so easy to forget or lose sight of. Our hearts are truly being targeted by a vicious enemy, and God is fighting to free our hearts (and wants us to join Him in setting others free)! I've been reminded of that truth even earlier this week, and it is always crazy-helpful to view childhood trauma or any difficult things we face as adults through that context!!! Everything begins to make more sense.
Since the war context doesn't count as an official metaphor, I will go with marathon training/running as the metaphor for my life - you can look back at any of my Marathon Monday posts for more cheesy musings on that topic. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent pacing and planning is key. Training in all kinds of weather is helpful. Inner grit and a solid community will keep you going. You also need proper fuel and strength. Take it one step at a time, celebrate the small milestones along the way, and be aware of the course marked out for you. There are uphill battles and downhill coasting seasons, and that's all normal. Having a clear prize and end goal in mind is really motivating. It also helps to remember you have people supporting you and cheering you on (including a very real great cloud of witnesses in Heaven)!! ❤
But wait, there's more!! lol Painting is another one that often comes to mind since it's a creative activity I enjoy... I've tried several abstract art paintings, then I continually rework and tweak and improve them. So I like thinking of my life as a blank canvas, and God and I are working together to create something beautiful there. Some of the colors I thought would be most prominent are fading into the background now, while others that I didn't see clearly at first have started to shine and stand out. I've tried to quit or assumed I did something irreparable a few times, but God carefully covers and corrects my errors (beauty for ashes, and love covering a multitude of sins). It's all a bit messy and unfinished right now, but already deeply unique and valuable and worthy of love! God is the master artist, and only He knows the planned design for where it's all headed, so asking for His direction is always the best course of wisdom. Fortunately, He is still actively at work and enjoying the whole process, and He never gives up on the projects He begins. And little by little, my life-canvas is growing in beauty and color and depth, being gradually perfected to better reflect the Creator artist. ❤ "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago." ~Ephesians 2:10
Yay, metaphors! ;-) Okay, that's all I've got for you today - which was probably more than you asked for or expected. lol
Happy 14th Anniversary to Bill & Jill!!
Also, Happy Veteran's Day, and a very sincere thank you to everyone who has served!!
❤ ❤ ❤
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