Been to two graduations in the past 18 hours…one for my daughter from 8th grade and one for my son out of Kindergarten. As I watched them with pride, I wondered how God views our achievements.
Just as my children are on a journey from pre till 12 we are on a journey from selfish, ignorant, trying to figure it out till we get to be mature, Kingdom focused, Christ like, and focused on the right things. On occasion we make a leap forward. Either we learn how to love someone that is difficult, we overcome a temptation, we defeat our anger, or we have a spiritual epiphany that makes God and His grace more clear. When that happens…when we grow…when we graduate, I wonder if God gets excited and starts bragging about us.
Maybe he calls over some angels and begins to share our story with them, “She did it…she finally figured out how to rely on me. I am so proud.”
Watching my kids and knowing what was in my heart…and watching other parents as they beamed with pride, I couldn’t help but think about the Father heart of God who has promised to stay with us through the entire process.
I think He’s proud…and even though there is more to do (my kids aren’t anywhere near done with school, but I am still thrilled they are continually making progress) He is pleased with how far you have come.
I was reading in a leadership book this morning and I was inspired. A thought laid out in the book reminded me of the vision we have been entrusted with.
Check it out:
“From 1923 to 1955, Robert Woodruff served as president of Coca-Cola. During that time, he wanted Coca-Cola to be available to every American serviceman around the world for five cents, no matter what it cost the company. What a bold goal! But it was nothing compared to the bigger picture he could see in his mind’s eye. In his lifetime, he wanted every person in the world to have tasted Coca-Cola. When you look deep into your heart and soul for a vision what do you see?”
Woodruff was a bold man. He believed in his company and wanted his product to have success. But, what struck me is that our “product” is so much greater. Coke might quench your thirst, but God’s grace and mercy rescues a soul from hell.
As I was confronted with a man’s bold vision, I was reminded of Jesus. He wants everyone to come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved. He wants all men, women, and children to hear the truth and know they are loved. Jesus’ vision was that everyone would taste of His goodness and enter into a relationship with Him. As a person who is focused on seeing Christ’s vision fulfilled on the earth I am going to keep my eyes and ears open for opportunities to lovingly share of His love. I hope you will join me.