Become Addicted

Confession:  I am addicted!

It is like that captivating novel, irresistible dessert, compelling adventure or the enticing cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter’s day.  I keep coming back for more.  I provide 100% attention in its presence.  I look forward to opportunity to engage in such activity daily.  I am addicted!

I began the addiction early in the summer while thumbing through Netflix.  I am not one to be found on the couch watching nightly television.  Typically, the television displays a sports event with the kids and hubby gathered around. . .not my thing.  I provide the food and clean environment for their game watching. . .

BUT, now came the time for me to find an interest in television.  Grey’s Anatomy!  Despite the undisciplined, out of this world behaviors of each character, I am hooked.  I love each episode.  I could sit and watch it ALL day (confession: I have spent majority of many days watching it!).  I began at season one and plan to finish all seasons to bring me current.  Season eight begins in September and I want to know what happened to this point.  I am addicted!

Why does such a show filled with lying, back stabbing and drama captivate my mind?  Why is sitting on the couch (or carrying around my phone while working/cooking dinner – see told you – ADDICTED!) with eyes glued to this show so irresistible?  How can such a chaotic, unstable life of these characters be compelling?  What about each episode entices me to watch the next?

Well, I resonate with one of the main characters.  I live vicariously through some of the adventures the characters take on each day.  I am eager to see what decision will be made next.  I have shed tears with the characters, felt disappointment in choices made and laughed out loud on occasion.  My husband rolls his eyes.  My kids mock the desire to watch a television series. 

How would life be different if our story were captivating?  What would change if waking up each day was irresistible?  What experiences could we live out if life were compelling?  How would life be different if the path planned for us enticed rather than intimidated?

We spend too much time comparing.  We expel too much energy worrying.  We allow hours of life to pass without truly experiencing.  We tiptoe in fear rather than walk boldly in faith.

Life often becomes a thing we run from rather than towards.  Trials and troubles are too heavy to bear.  We feel less than adequate.  Why?  Lack of Spirit living and too great of flesh living.

¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  Romans 8:10-14

Stand firm on Truth today.  Let the Power of the Holy Spirit dwell within and work mightily in this day.  Quick comparing your path to others.  Neglecting to walk our own path leads to destruction.  The Spirit within will guide you and God will provide all you need to complete a day’s work.  No worries my friend. . .God’s got this!  Take time and see His presence in this moment – every moment.  Walk boldly in faith.

Become addicted to the plan God created for you.  Become so addicted to His plan that you come back every morning for more.  Provide 100% attention to His plan.  Come with eager minds, ready hands, willing feet and led by the Spirit.  Become addicted to your story!

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig   

Which Finish Line Lay Ahead?

Preparation began the day prior to the event.  My son took it easy at practice to allow muscles to rest and rejuvenate.  The night came and he slept a solid 8 hours.  His body knew exactly what to do for the event; his mind just needed focus and determination.  He trained for weeks; but, fear of failing would slither into the situation.

Morning came and my son popped out of bed, dressed for the event, fueled his body and laced up his shoes.  The event: 3.1 miles across hilly terrain.  Each step taken toward the finish line revealed the hours of training put forth over the summer.  My son wanted to sleep in, would rather sit inside and threw out words of frustration throughout the summer.  We pushed him to get up and get moving.  We pushed slightly through his resistance; but, ultimately left the decision in his hands whether to quit or keep going.  Some days, he quit; other days, he chose to keep going despite the lack of motivation; and still a few days, he ran with full determination toward a specific goal. 

Standing at the start line, my sweet son mapped out a plan for the race.  He understood what pace should be maintained.  He was bound and determined to win his age group.  The whistle blew to start.  My son paced well, picturing the finish line with every step forward and keeping his mind focused on the prize.  Determined, he ran.  Motivated, he paced.  Focused, he finished.

We cooled down together and discussed aspects of the race.  He was unsure of where his time would place in the standings.  He ran the fastest race thus far in life.  Sprinting across the finish line brought joy, revealed results of hard work and sent his confidence through the roof.  As we walked around, I reminded him to focus on the improvements in his own time and avoid comparing to others.  He worked hard throughout the summer, we pushed him and it showed that day. 

My son received a medal that day representing 3^rd place.  Frustrated, angry and disappointed, my son sat with his head down.  Once he processed through the initial emotions of defeat, these same emotions that tore down in the moment began to build a bridge to motivation.  He set new goals, focused on a plan and moved forward.  He knew the results did not determine worth. . .but, did determine his next steps. 

How often in life do we allow circumstances to determine our worth?  How often do we stew in defeat?  We prepared endless hours, dotted all the I’s and crossed all the T’s.  The day comes, failure lurks above and we freeze in our tracks.  We lose focus, put aside motivation and squash determination.  Why try if our standing is less than perfect? 

We work too hard here to feel desirable by the world’s standards.  Each day sets us up for a choice:  step out focused on the world or walk boldly with God?  What are you preparing for right now?  Take time to answer. . .

Preparing for this world leaves emptiness.  Exhaustion comes after long hours training for a prize that fades away quickly.  Determined to finish, we run in the wrong direction.  Motivated by pride, we fail to pace.  Focused on standings in the world, we finish unfulfilled.  We may receive a prize, a promotion, an “Atta boy” or a relationship. . .but, none of it lasts.  We ran the wrong race.

Preparing for Eternal life in Heaven fills our heart, mind and soul.  Peace follows the hours of training your mind to focus on Truth.  Determined to finish, we run toward God.  Motivated by love, we pace with patience.  Focused on Heaven, we finish as a good and faithful servant.  Receiving the prize planned by God lasts for eternity.  Our bodies were made for God’s race; our minds just need focus, determination and motivation.  God will push you when needed; but, ultimately, the decision is up to you. 

Are you running the correct race?      

 

Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig