At this point in my life, I’m still very much amazed at where I’ve been vs where I am. That’s no humble brag, I’m not exactly setting the world on fire or anything but being relieved of the bondage I once had, is on its own, enough to celebrate.
I’m still very aware of what my life used to look like just as much as I’m aware of what it can return to. I am also very aware of the Source of the change in my life and I take little to no credit for that. I moved my feet and continue to do so…and that’s about all I do.
The change in my life was all part of the plan. The moves that were made to produce it and shape it to look like it does today, the good and the bad, the hardships, struggles and moments of weakness, the victories, the ease and the comfort…all part of the plan. The intricacy of things, the simplicity of things…part of the plan. The moments of disbelief and the joyful tear producing moments of complete and utter reliance upon my Solution, both equally part of the plan.
A relationship with God has given me everything. My story is not unique in the circles of people I run with, but it is strongly steered by the complete proof that God exists. I owe Him everything. I want to. I love that relationship.
Removal of worldly things, of human powers as a solution to freedom was nothing short of a miracle. This includes sourcing happiness or comfort from the relationship I have with my wife, with my sons, with my parents, medication, drugs, alcohol, shopping, attention, violence, reckless sex, money, power, prestige, etc… I am able to enjoy worldly things and healthy relationships with my family and friends but I almost never have a reliance on anything on this planet as a source for my peace. When I do, the spiritual consequences follow.
This “spiritual cleaning” was part of a plan I would never have even considered before. Because I have put behind me (for the most part) human powers as a source for my happiness, any opposition to that happiness can not succeed.
I’ll say that again.
No opposition to my reliance on God, or to put it another way, nothing that tries to strip me of my happiness can win that fight because my happiness comes from the loving relationship that I have with my Creator and that Love is eternal. It is never unavailable. It’s always there.
I believe that my entire life was mapped out. I believe that without my struggles, I would never fully understand how good God is…
..and God is so good, you guys.