In the margin on the first page of this chapter, the question is asked: "If you could run away and join the circus, what part would you want to take in the show?"
I thought about this question for a second and my first response was "Trapeze Artist". It's kind of a funny response from me; I don't even like heights. Soaring above the crowd and making it look so effortless is part of the appeal to me. As I read through the chapter, my answer seemed to make sense. In all parts of the circus, each person is making their role seem effortless and uncomplicated. I felt that this was familiar to me because I try not to get overwhelmed or seem like everything I do is full of effort. Of course, I fail to do this and I easily get overwhelmed. I usually just have to "vent" and then I'm ok to deal with whatever it was that overwhelmed me in the first place.
I know that as working women, we are all juggling different balls and wearing different hats. It's no wonder we end our days by collapsing into bed exhausted! We worry about our children, our bills, our work, our families, our friends. The list is individual to each of us, but I'm sure it's long no matter who we are. Isn't it great to know that God left a message for us? He tells us in Luke 12:22-23 to not worry; there is more to life.
When we remain focused on God, all things fall into the correct perspective and we will bear fruit. In the Ponder & Pray section, we are asked to consider what our physical and spiritual needs are and what happens when one of them is given the greater balance. If we are truly abiding in God, how would this look in each of our lives? I believe in my life, I would have greater patience, understanding and gentleness. I am so thankful that God does not keep score and that we are forgiven when we ask for His forgivenes.
Keep this Trinket in your heart: When we've dropped the ball, do not despair. Balance takes practice and our spiritual balance is more important. It requires a sound heart, a dependence on Jesus and fruitful lives.
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7 comments:
First of all....I really like this study so far. I didn't realize how much I had missed doing an actual bible study...looking up scripture....and writing down my answers. I need this!!
This entire chapter was good for me, however, it was good for me to revisit the fruits of the spirit and the importance thereof. I know that when my life is out of balance...the fruits of the spirit are not always evident. I am encouraged to work on this...and remember what the fruits of the spirit mean to me...and how I come across to others.
I'm glad I joined this group.........I think the Bible study itself is going to be good for me -- it's hard to juggle everything sometimes -- and I also think doing the study w/a whole group is gonna be good for me too. This is a first for me! (weird, I know!)
The question about which role I'd like to play in the circus......I said the girl that rides the horses standing on their backs! She's always got a great costume! What does this say about me?? I love animals. I love clothes. I'm not afraid to fall down??? :) Is there an answer key for this one??? Ha!
I also would be the girl on the trick riding horses. I've had horses since I was 8 & I still have horses now. When I'm having a hard time w/life issues, I reach out to my horses to have a talk with God. Grooming them is very spiritual for me. While I groom and take care of them, I feel closer to God since he's allowed me to take care of two huge, beautiful animals he's created. As I ride them, I have major talks w/God regarding what ever life issue(s) is bothering me. When I'm finished with my ride and cooling off my horses, there's a peace - like I know he was really listening to me the entire time. It really helps me balance life.
As I finished reading Chptr 1, the part about God pruning the vine, that's what I need to work on. Pruning the old so the productive branch can live & fully bear lots of fruit so I will please God.
Guess that shows my imbalance - I can work on patience and struggles w/my horses but the pruning I need help with.
My blog may not make sense to someone who's never experienced horses but we all have the different "gifts" Pastor Timmy talked about a few weeks back. Guess my relationship w/God and my horses just fits me!?!?
I thought this chapter was a great. I hope the rest of the study is as interesting and helpful. I'm also glad that we're doing a study because I've really had spiritual growth on my heart for myself and our church body.
In a circus, I think that I'd want to be one of those girls who gets to bend herself around a hoop suspended in the air (although I'm with Monique on the heights thing). It just looks cool when she spins and twists with the long cloth wrapped around her wrists or legs.
The pruning concept is a difficult one, but necessary. I think that no one really likes to be pruned because it's painful, but over the long haul, it makes it worth it because then you are not only able to bear more fruit (quantity), but you're able to bear larger, juicier, sweeter fruit (quality). I think that this concept applies to us as individuals, but also to the church as a whole - those painful times when we see people leaving our church for one reason or another are times of pruning.
First --- I agree with everyone else. I am enjoying the bible study aspect of this group. I have felt for a long time that in order to grow closer to God, I need a more structured relationship with His word.
It was interesting to think about what circus performer I would like to be. First I had to consider who I think I'm like now --- and truthfully, I think I'm more like the ringmaster because I have a lot of "performers" I have to keep track of: my husband, my daughters, my family, my company, church, bills, housework. This "ringmaster" has no life and I think that's really a result of having no balance in my life. It was interesting to note that I don't make time for God and that if I would just do that, He'll work out the balancing act. So, that's my goal --- to spend more time with God. I've got to find daily time to spend in His word, and that's a difficult task. But if I want it bad enough, I'll make time for it right?
In the end, I want to be like the clowns --- carefree, funny, laughing, making others laugh and having absolutely no responsibility beyond that!
I stay home with the children and don't have a job outside of the home as most of you guys do. However I know that even I need balance! I love the line on pg 14 where she says that we weren't meant to live balanced lives just for our own piece of mind, but so that we can be fruitful. It is so true. Sometimes I think I forget about that part, only desiring peace and stability in my life. I know that if we live a more balanced life - which only comes from making God number one - then we will have peace, AND be fruitful... Ahh. That is beautiful.
I would be a clown in the circus. That is kind of ironic because as a kid I was scared to death of clowns, but I just love the idea of being silly!
I really like this study as well. It was just what I needed after having the week that I did. It reminded me that I don't spend enough time with God and we need that so that our lives are balanced.
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