This time last year I was glad to see the back of the month of July.
Probably because it was one of those less than exhilarating months of July where I suffered the lack of football. You’ll be delighted to know that July 2018 was a lot better. Indeed, I would say that July 2018 has arguably been the best month of the year so far. The reason for that has not been about football either. (Although the World Cup which finished in the first half of the month, was an enjoyable experience.)
July 2018 goes down as a good month mainly because of experiences I’ve shared with others. Getting to see two people I love celebrate their birthdays and get to know more about them and their families. I got to see how a group of young people would conduct a gathering of saints for the first time. There were some gatherings of saints I attended that were encouraging, inspiring and stimulating. There was an experiment I got to conduct with some friends that turned out to be something really special.
I wasn’t desperate for July to keep going, but I didn’t want to see the back of it in disgust either. It was a good month and so leaves things in an interesting place going into August. There are some projects going on this month that I am actively involved with or get to witness, that in itself should keep me occupied. As well as that with the children having their summer holidays there’s a few occasions to share with them to enjoy themselves.
It can be easy in the busyness to get carried away with things and forget the essentials. What I hope will help to avoid that is a regular rhythm of life that involves touch-points of faith. Getting wisdom, seeking direction, engaging in intimacy and having my life ever defined by the Shepherd of my soul.
It’s with that in mind that recent days and weeks have shown me I really cannot afford to think I am ‘alright’. Whatever is said about ‘positive confessions’ and statements of personal affirmation, the steps of humility for me is an ongoing recognition that I am nothing without the One who made me. I am only ever of good in the world when I submit myself completely to Him who saved me, raised me and leads me.
That attitude is about recognising that I’ll gain when I am in need. It’s not a position of accepting mediocrity or avoiding responsibility. It is a helpful position of never thinking I am better than anyone or that my needs are the most important. It is a helpful position to get in line with understanding and being sensitive to others and responding by serving appropriately.
My hope is that August will be a month of stepping forward in that mindset.
(Photo by Jordan Stewart on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 