Self-Knowledge

God is leading us on an adventure that will last a life-time. He reveals to us what we need to know, when we need to know it, and how we need to know it, rather than providing all the details at once. The nature of this gradual process means that we learn more about ourselves through a range of contexts and experiences over time. There are those moments that affirm what we already knew, and the scenarios that surprise us and reveal something unexpected. Within ourselves we can recognize both familiar terrain and mysteries to be unveiled and pondered with the Lord.

Self-Gift

All of this insight provided over time points us towards better understanding our personal vocation--how we were uniquely created and in turn, the unique contribution that we can offer the world. The beauty of self-awareness does not end with solely contemplating the depths of who we are, but instead reveals implications for action. We can consider what we notice alongside considerations for our current season of life and the choices that we might make in light of what we have realized.

The Desire to Get it Right

When one loves the Lord and desires to do His will, it is understandable to have the desire to "get it right." Nonetheless, I have come to learn that it is more about having an adventure with the Lord, including "getting it wrong" at times along the way. Seeking His will sometimes leads to anticipating a certain trajectory that ends up being revised as it unfolds.

I have noticed that these moments are opportunities for the Lord to prepare us more fully for who we are called to be and how we are intended to serve in new seasons of life, to clarify our unique design and opportunities for us to live out our personal vocation, and to purify the desires of our hearts.

Most of all, not having 100% assurance of every single aspect of the process means that we are called to lean on the Lord and step forward in faith. We have the opportunity to recognize that there is inherent risk when we step beyond our comfort zones to enact what we have discerned but then still choose to do so.

Perfectly Executed Plans Are Not the Goal

Along the way, we can begin to see glimpses into the Lord is using it all to help us to grow and heal. Even though we are called to be a gift to others, the Lord also reveals how deeply He cares about us as individuals, which sometimes means that our contributions are wandering roads, rather than linear trajectories that consistently build. There can be a series of starts and stops or pauses in order to allow for a more sustainable pathway (or to just allow space for us to be more fully equipped or restored for the next step in the journey).

One of the greatest gifts I have received along the way has been the realization that rather than seeking to get it right (and all the pressure that comes along with it), I can instead view the process of becoming as an adventure with the Lord. Rooted in an awareness of His goodness, it is easier to embrace taking steps with partial understanding, knowing that plans can and will be refined over time.

In the end, I have come to realize that it is as much (or more) about how my relationship with the Lord is shaped through the experiences as it is about outcomes. Somehow our contributions are gifts for others, while also having the capacity to be gifts for ourselves in expected and unexpected ways.

Questions for Reflection

1. In what ways has the desire to get it right impacted your life's story? How have you been surprised along the way in the midst of your efforts to craft and execute perfect plans?

2. How has the Lord alleviated the pressure to get it right, or how might you be invited to let Him help you to view life as an adventure with Him?

3. To what degree have opportunities of knowing and then exercising your gifts been avenues to deepen your relationship with the Lord?

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