Life, Now and Later

Growing up, I liked some movies whose story setting was New York City! On a few trips, our family would pass New York City, but I never went inside this city.

Last year, I went on a business trip with my husband to northern New Jersey and wanted to go but didn’t have the opportunity yet. We are here again on another trip and I finally had the opportunity to go last night! I was so excited!

I watch the news nearly everyday. I hear about and see pictures of common places such as Rockefeller Center, Rockefeller Plaza, Times Square and Central Park. I hear about events, good and bad happening. The most historical, heart breaking event that I remember was 9-11-2001. This was such a huge event that the news constantly told story after story about those who were lost in this terrible tragedy and those who gave their lives helping rescue as many as possible. There is a memorial now to remember this catastrophic event. Many have also left to fight for our freedom and safety from those trying to cause harm.

Everywhere I went yesterday, there was constant activity! Lots of lights, traffic and movement! Most days at home during the week, I am alone and only go out in the evenings and on weekends as I am not allowed to drive still, so this is a welcome change for me.

Some people don’t have these opportunities, some don’t want this same level of busy-ness, but I feel incredibly fortunate right now! I think of many who are very ill, that can’t leave their homes often for fear of having another seizure. Many hurt physically from different illnesses they have and some hurt emotionally due to issues in their past. I can relate to many people who have these situations going on in their lives, as somedays, I’ve been in the same boat!

What do we do though, when we are able to do something good to help others, something fun, exciting, good for our health? For me, I have procrastinated on some things, like getting up to exercise, or getting work done at home. I try to do what I can for the good of others. It seems easier though to motivate myself when it’s time to do something fun, that I have wanted to do for so long! Last night, for instance, I have no idea how long it has been since I walked that much, but I did it and it was great! I need to keep on!

No matter what our situation is, let’s do our best to keep pushing ourselves! I understand there are days when we absolutely can do nothing, like when we have had a seizure or many of them and must sleep, or we have to face the illness we have and do what we must for ourselves, but when we are able, let’s push ourselves to the next level!

There are many verses in the Bible that are about making and completing goals. I believe that some of the best ones are about pursuing and allowing the Lord to establish these goals as He is the one who will give us the ability then to complete these goals!

Proverbs 16:9 says “ The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

“ Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21

Here are some more great verses about goals!

Isaiah 54:2

Proverbs 24:27

Proverbs 16:3

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Habakkuk 2:2-3

Hebrews 12:1-3

Micah 6:8

What do we want spiritually? What do we want to live for? Is it only for the present, for later in life, for eternity? Love Him first, then love people. Trust Him to guide us and accomplish His purpose in us!

A song I love listening to ( I love many) is called Touch of Heaven by Hillsong

The chorus speaks to me a lot saying,

“All I want is to live within Your love

Be undone by who You are

My desire is to know You deeper

Lord I will open up again

Throw my fears into the wind

I am desperate for a touch of heaven”

Philippians 3:14 says ” I press on for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ.”

I want my most important goal to be to know Him deeper, so I can do what He has for me, now and later!