When I was little and sat in church with my mom, she had a rule that was intended to keep me focused on the pastor rather than fidgeting and getting distracted…which still as an adult comes easily to me! The rule was, I had to sit with a pen and paper and take notes. By the end of the message, I needed to have written at least three things that stood out to me. And it couldn’t be the first three things he said. 😉 Although I did try that once.
I’ve always been and continue to be very easily distracted. I tend to let my mind wander, or I start to people watch, or I fidget….or I doodle… There are a ton of things that keep me from staying focused.
This morning as I was fighting to keep my head up and my eyes open after 4 hours of sleep last night, the Three Things Rule came to my mind. So, I sat up, grabbed my pen and started to take notes. And then I had a brilliant idea.
Hence this blog post!
Now, I’m not too good at keeping on schedule with posting, but I thought it would be good to start posting my Three Things List every Sunday. By doing this, I am held more accountable to listening and retaining what it is I am learning.
This week Pastor Mike spoke on Fears & Worries.
Three Things….
1.) Identify the things I fear and worry about the most.
This has stuck in mind because I tend to worry often about my ability to be a good mom and a good wife. I want to be all things to all people in my life. What’s really crazy thinking, is that I worry about my worry. Will worry (ie: anxiety) prevent me from being who I want and desire to be? Will I get into an anxiety moment and never be able to pull myself out of it? Yes, these are the things I worry about most.
2.) Am I pursuing God’s agenda or am I distracted by own life?Â
(The Message) Matthew 6:30-33″If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
In hearing this, I realized that I am allowing my fears, my worries, my anxiety to take over my life. Instead of giving it up and allowing God to be in control….and here’s the key thing, trusting him, I worry. When instead, if I let it go and stop being distracted by the worry, I am better able to be the very person he intended me to be. See how it goes round full circle?
3.) “Abba Father”
Pastor Mike was talking about “Abba Father” and what it really means. He explained that in Bible days, Abba Father was used as though a 2 year old was crying out to their daddy. Hearing it put like that really touched me. The fact that I am able to cry to God and share all my fears and anxiety as though I’m a child comforted me. And then to allow myself that childlike trust and faith that my “daddy” is going to take care of it. He’s “got my back” as Pastor Mike put it, and I need to believe it. I need to trust it.
I need to let it go.
You want more? Click here to watch or listen to the message. Maybe you can find your own three things. If you do, I would love to hear them! (the message takes a day or two to post to the website.)
© 2008 “Le Musings of Moi”
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I love the Abba, Father piece. We discussed this in my church a few years back, and it has stuck with me.
It’s amazing that we can call Him that – and He really does see us as His children!
Also: I am a chronic note-taker at church. I even have my little purse sized notepad that is just for sermon notes. Geek-Alert!!
Okay you sound so much like me and so this post was very helpful for me. I also love the Abba, Father piece. I remember discussing that in seminary years ago and being so touched by it.
Love your “Three Things” idea! I need to try that…
Anyhow, you know I can relate with the worry, my sweet girlfriend! Thanks for sharing your insights and keep them coming!
Miss you!