For the sun comes up with its scorching heat and dries up the grass, its flower droops, and the beauty of its appearance vanishes. So will the rich person fade away in the midst of his pursuits. // James 1:11
I was bustling through the house, stuffing dirty socks in one apron pocket and garbage into the other. Books, scissors, dishes, and toys were gathered from one room and returned to their rightful place in another. Cutting through the dining room, I suddenly stopped and took a long, hard look at the seasonal decorations on the window.
Their days were numbered, and not just because the holiday was nearly upon us and soon we’d need to make room for the next. No, the decorations and I have only a few more years until my kids are no longer excited over window clings and craft projects made at school. In that moment, I tried to choose gratitude for what I have now and what new things we’ll have then, but my heart still felt sad.
I think I’m going through a midlife crisis. Based on the pop culture I consumed in my youth, I thought this would involve purchasing a red convertible or becoming some sort of hippie. But mostly it involves me standing in place long enough for my whole body to exhale firmly into the spot, staring at something in my home, thinking about what it represents in my life, and wondering if it has, does, or ever will prove its worth. There’s also lots of untimely mourning.
It’s okay that we mourn and process as we go through a regular examination of our lives. The important thing to remember, though, is that God is the Sun Who will shine on our pursuits and our loves. He will test them, and most will dry up like the grass, so we must mind what matters. Our pursuits will fade away, but the love with which they were done will not.
Today, let us focus on doing everything with love.
Let us focus on doing everything with love. // Bonnie Engstrom Click to tweet
Bonnie Engstrom is a writer, baker, speaker, and homemaker. She lives with her husband and eight children in Illinois. Bonnie is the author of 61 Minutes to a Miracle which tells the story of her son’s miracle that was approved by Pope Francis for the beatification of Venerable Fulton Sheen. She is the author of Blessed Conversations Mystery: Believe. Find out more about her here.
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