I don’t usually go in for resolutions, but this year, I felt prompted to have a goal for 2013. The word that sums it up is Intentional, which means “done with purpose.” All too often, life gets busy and in the way of the things I mean to do or to say. I end up missing so much because I’m fighting to keep up. My goal for this year is to slow down, to observe rather than glance over the people, events, and moments in my life. I’m going to follow the advice of Henry David Thoreau and “Simplify.”
I know God has something to show me, and I don’t want to miss it. I want to serve where He wills it and to be fully present in the moments He has handcrafted for my sanctification and, more importantly, His glory. That’s why I chose Micah 6:8 as my Bible verse. It reminds me that God isn’t complicated, and serving Him shouldn’t be either. It says:
“He has told you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
The last five years have been rough financially, spiritually, physically, and professionally. Pretty much anything negative that could happen (short of death) did. But I’m on the other side of it now, and I am not the same person I was then. I know what it is to feel lost and helpless, like a boat without a rudder that drifts from one place to another with only the fickle wind for company. But I had something that many people don’t–a family to love and encourage me. And now that I’m on the other side of that long, dark valley, I understand why God had me walk through it.
I now know what it feels like and, more than anything, I want to be for others what my family was to me. That’s why I pledged my birthday to charity:water this year and began supporting my first child through Compassion International. His name is Edmond, and he lives in Burkina Faso–a country I couldn’t have pointed out on a map before this year. I received my first letter from him last week, complete with an artistic scribbling that could either be a seashell or a diagram from Dante’s Inferno, I can’t quite tell.
He also asked me a question—“Do you love children?”
I held that letter, written in both English and French, in my hand, and realized that he had asked me a very intentional question. Do I? Do I love children? Do I love them the way Christ loves them?
The answer five years ago would have been a very non-committal “yes.” I did in the general sense, but now, something is changed within me. I want to provide justice and kindness for children. I look at Edmond and Paromika (the little girl my husband sponsors) and I think about what life must be like for them. I think about how much I have been blessed with. I don’t want to give because I feel guilty or pushed into it for legalistic reasons. I want to share for the simple joy of it, to know that in some small way I am intentionally giving to someone who’s life will be improved by a few dollars…or a few words I write on a blog. It is one way I can do justice, love kindness and, above all, walk humbly with my God.
By the way, if you liked this or you want to know more about other Compassion bloggers, join the blog hop using the links below!
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Awesome coolness, chica!!! Keep up the good work.
You’re doing so much more than I am. I’m so proud of all you Pilliods!
Thanks a bunch…I don’t feel like I’m doing anything; at this point in our lives, it’s just God wielding us as His tools…and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Me either, sir. Me either.
This gave me chills. Isn’t it amazing how God chooses to reveal himself through the most unknowing of us?
I used to wonder why God doesn’t use the “pillar of fire” method any more, but over time, I’ve come to realize that the still, small voice, the tiny message and messenger are more fitting for a Father craving an intimate relationship. He never ceases to amaze me! Thanks for stopping by for a read and for leaving a comment!
Ahhhh. I enjoyed reading your post so much! I’m here from the Compassion blog hop. I’m moved by the question Edmond asked you too. Thanks for loving children and for being so intentional in sharing your love :]
Thank you so much! It is a pleasure to write about things that matter–both here and in eternity. Who knew a little boy from Burkina Faso could have an impact over here. God can do so much with little things!
Very nice!
Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
Very cool! I’m here from the Compassion blog hop. Thanks for sharing this story with us. I pray that as your relationship with Edmond grows, God will bless you both above and beyond measure.
On a side note, as a musician, I LOVE your photo! (I’m a violinist)
Thanks so much for reading and commenting. It’s great to know other people are getting to know my special little guy!
I love the violin and wish I could play a stringed instrument. I’ve always thought about trying my hand at the cello, but I’m afraid I’d make such a mess of it.