I awoke much earlier today than I did yesterday as it was barely light out. I stayed in bed for quite some time thanking the Lord for all he has given me.
Today was the first day where I was able to sit still and enjoy the silence without monkeys jumping around. I went on several walks and spent several hours in the Meditation Meadow reading, often drifting away with my thoughts as I listed to God’s natural orchestra while the sun graciously beamed down on me.
When your day is not bustling with meetings, to-do lists, children, family tasks, etc., time tends to creep by which gives you great opportunities for deep soul searching, which we all need from time to time. I know I do!
For those of you who know me well, know I lean on the spectrum of OCD, or as good friend of mine would say, OCC (Obsessive Compulsive Complex). I have a complex rather than a disorder. Let’s go with OCC for obvious reasons!
OCC can be your best friend and work to your benefit in certain areas of your life. For example, in my position as a Product Manager for Passare, it works to our advantage as we are quickly growing our platform and need the obsessive careful eye to ensure consistency in all things, big and small.
On the other hand, OCC can also be your worst enemy and work against you in certain areas of your life. For example, when the kiddos want to play a game, go for a bike ride, or go for a swim, my first reaction is – What order is the house in? Are shoes put away? Are coats hung up? Are toys all over? Are the dishes done? My OCC kicks in and tells me those tasks need to be completed before I can play a game, go for a bike ride, or go for a swim.
Within the first few pages of Hybels’ book, Simplify, he sets up a scenario where God says, “Let’s sit down together. We’ve got some things to work out, you and Me. You’ve lost a connection with me somewhere. You’ve lost your bearings on true north, and now you’re just spinning. But I have a better plan.”
Vulnerability time here – At times, I lose sight of true north and think, we’ll go on a bike ride tomorrow, or we’ll go swimming tomorrow. The Lord has convicted me today telling me that if I’m too busy for my own kids, then I’m too busy. They ought to be a big part of my life, and I want to be a big part of theirs. I have some work to do in this area.
Tomorrow morning, I depart this soulful place and head back to reality. I hope and pray that my time here at Well of Compassion will have a profound effect on me as I continue uncluttering my soul and attempting to keep my bearings on true north and fill my soul to overflowing.
Hybels ends his book Simplify with these powerful words which I will end this blog post with.
“We get one shot at this life. Choose a purposeful, God-first life, and you will reap rewards for today and for eternity. Choose a life where the God-shaped void in your soul is filled to overflowing, and you will leave a legacy for those who follow you. Live your one and only life with all the clarity and focus you can give it. This is simplified living. This is the life that satisfies.”