Thoughts

I started reading John Piper's book, "Don't Waste Your Life!" because, honestly, that's what I feel like I've been doing. I think this birthday coming up has caused me to reflect and it seems as though my productive years, the ones where I was truly excited and passionate about what I was doing, were in my early 20s. That was awhile ago. What did I do with my 30s? I don't want my 40s to be more of the same. I get one go at this. There aren't do-overs. My prayer for this upcoming year (and the years to come) is that I live with intentional purpose. I fix my gaze on things above. I live grounded in reality but focused on faith. I see with His eyes. I want my heart to beat with His. I know I'm stubborn. I'm argumentative. I don't like to submit. I want things to work out correctly, every time, without fail. I have little patience. I like my comfort and security. I want to learn balance. It's okay if I fail as long as I don't quit. I will have regrets, I will make mistakes but I want them to be made in the pursuit of a life that counts for something.

“I will not waste my life! I will finish my course and finish it well. I will display the Gospel of the grace of God. I will run my race to the end.” - Paul

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom