Defining Moments
DEFINING MOMENTS
by Dawn Harris
As I look at my life, it is easy to see “defining moments.” You know the “big” things that mark the journey: graduation, wedding, kids…
Yet even more defining than the “big” things are the things that no one sees. I became a Christian when I was little. It definitely defined who I am today, but it was not a major event. It was simply the prayer and trust of a child. No one SAW. There was no fanfare or parade to mark the occasion. I prayed, Jesus heard and it was settled.
Our successes usually put us in the “spotlight” temporarily, but do they DEFINE us? Sometimes. What about our struggles? Not really something we WANT to shine a light on, but I would venture to guess that the things we fight for the hardest are what changes us the most. Interesting.
Why, as adults, do we make things so complicated? As a child, I prayed, Jesus heard and it was settled. As an adult, God speaks; I run and hide. God speaks; I argue. God speaks; and I ACT like a child. Only this time it is not with the trust and honesty of a child. It is a full out tantrum wrapped up in a lifetime of hurt and disappointment. Where did that childlike faith go?
I am the same person, yet I hide behind the walls of self-perseverance, afraid to BE REAL! What will people think? What will people say?
Reality check! Chances are “people” are not even thinking about ME at all! I need to get out of my own way and find that child again. You know, the one that loved unconditionally. The one that trusted what people said. The one that jumped because that is the only way to FLY! I miss her. I am pretty sure God misses her too!
What about you? What are you hiding from? What has God laid on your heart? We like to brag about our “spotlight” moments, but what about the moments we fight for? The spotlight eventually fades…what happens then? What is REAL? Who are you REALLY?What DEFINES you NOW?
I am ready to find out…are you?
God, help me be REAL again. Help me to really KNOW You! I do not want to fight against who You have called me to be. I want to TRUST You! I want to pray and know that You hear me and that settles it. No more HIDING, no more fighting, no more running away…I am here today ready to BE REAL!
Thank You for holding my hand and making THIS day a “defining moment” that no one sees, but that forever changes who I am!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen!