If I were stranded on a deserted island and could only take 3 things, I think I would have to have my bible, a companion, and some kind of musical instrument. (Food, water, shelter are not a factor here… so we can set them aside for the sake of discussion.)
You’re asking yourself, “Why would she choose those three things?” Well, because the three items mentioned are very important to me and I have listed them in order of their importance in my life.
The first thing I mentioned was my bible. I am really bad at memorization, so I don’t have a gazillion verses stored in my head to sustain me during hardships on the “island.” I like to read it. It comforts me during times of stress, praise, failure, success, and times of temptation. I know that the words in the book are inspired by God to speak to me and I draw great strength from that. It would sustain me on the island.
A companion was my second choice. I have lived by myself now for the first time in my entire life. I have found it to be ….. challenging to say the least. Intellectually, I know I am never alone because God is always with me; however, God knew that it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone on the earth, so he created a companion. It isn’t good for people to always be alone. You need someone to walk beside, someone to lie beside, and someone to work alongside. Did I fail to mention talking? Well, that is the other reason…I like to talk. If I don’t talk to someone, then I’ll talk to a door. Not really, but you understand where I am going here, right? (wink)
The final item on my list was a musical instrument. I only played the flute and that was in junior high and high school, but I absolutely love music. It changes me, inspires me, and fills me when nothing else can. I don’t know if I could go without it. Everything that would hold music would require batteries or some energy source. Those would wear out, but not a musical instrument. The other benefit is that I would have all the time in the world to practice. It wouldn’t be the same… but it would fill a need. Also if it was wooden, I could burn it for a signal fire. (wink)
When I look at that simple list and then take a look around my home, I am somewhat embarrassed. I really don’t need all the things I have. My three items were selected because I could only have limited number of things. I had to cut away all the fluff and all the wants. I had to concentrate on the “absolutely have to haves.” What if we all did that? Would we be happier? Would we be less encumbered and more free to serve? Those are questions I am not ready to answer, just yet. Give me time and I will let you know. I am a woman on a mission.
Lord, help me to be a willing servant. Give me a willing heart to give up my resources to help those you put in my path each day. You will provide for me as you have always done in the past and I know that you will continue in the future. Forgive me when I forget. Amen.
You’re asking yourself, “Why would she choose those three things?” Well, because the three items mentioned are very important to me and I have listed them in order of their importance in my life.
The first thing I mentioned was my bible. I am really bad at memorization, so I don’t have a gazillion verses stored in my head to sustain me during hardships on the “island.” I like to read it. It comforts me during times of stress, praise, failure, success, and times of temptation. I know that the words in the book are inspired by God to speak to me and I draw great strength from that. It would sustain me on the island.
A companion was my second choice. I have lived by myself now for the first time in my entire life. I have found it to be ….. challenging to say the least. Intellectually, I know I am never alone because God is always with me; however, God knew that it wasn’t good for Adam to be alone on the earth, so he created a companion. It isn’t good for people to always be alone. You need someone to walk beside, someone to lie beside, and someone to work alongside. Did I fail to mention talking? Well, that is the other reason…I like to talk. If I don’t talk to someone, then I’ll talk to a door. Not really, but you understand where I am going here, right? (wink)
The final item on my list was a musical instrument. I only played the flute and that was in junior high and high school, but I absolutely love music. It changes me, inspires me, and fills me when nothing else can. I don’t know if I could go without it. Everything that would hold music would require batteries or some energy source. Those would wear out, but not a musical instrument. The other benefit is that I would have all the time in the world to practice. It wouldn’t be the same… but it would fill a need. Also if it was wooden, I could burn it for a signal fire. (wink)
When I look at that simple list and then take a look around my home, I am somewhat embarrassed. I really don’t need all the things I have. My three items were selected because I could only have limited number of things. I had to cut away all the fluff and all the wants. I had to concentrate on the “absolutely have to haves.” What if we all did that? Would we be happier? Would we be less encumbered and more free to serve? Those are questions I am not ready to answer, just yet. Give me time and I will let you know. I am a woman on a mission.
Lord, help me to be a willing servant. Give me a willing heart to give up my resources to help those you put in my path each day. You will provide for me as you have always done in the past and I know that you will continue in the future. Forgive me when I forget. Amen.
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