A New Voice

Wow. Its been over a year since I wrote on this blog. I am a big believer in not doing activities because I feel like I "should"- especially since my free time is so limited these days. I can also be very lazy, perferring to nap or watch TV instead of doing anything of value. However, I have been re-inspired. There is something in me that needs to write and create and do something artistic. I have found outlets for some of that creativity, such as knitting, however there are many thoughts and words that spend so much time rolling around in my head and need an escape. The idea of sending my thoughts out into the blogosphere seems especially appealing right now. Maybe its the thought that no one will read them yet I can still "publish" them. Maybe its the hope that someone will read them and will enjoy them. Or it could be that I was recently inspired by a great read called "Bittersweet", by Shuana Niequist. In it is a chapter about our stories and how they need to be told. She says that we don't tell our stories because we think they are about us (they are not) and we think they are unimportant and inconsequential (they are not). Our stories are really about God and what he is doing in our lives and the lives of those around us. Our stories weave in intricately with the stories of those around us. Just are we are not isolated, neither are our stories. We are a part of a cast of characters who also have beautiful stories. The real work of the Lord is shared through our experiences and our lives and what He is doing in and through them.
Psalm 9 says, " I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, I will recount all of your wonderful deeds." Maybe that is what this blog is becoming in this new year. A recounting of a story that God is telling in my life. A recounting of wonderful deeds, as well as times of struggle and pain and how those two things weave together to make something beautiful and new...
New seems to be a common theme right now. Cliche since its a new year, but also spiritual because Jesus says he is making ALL things NEW. New is often associated with better. A new year tends to mean a new haircut, a better body, a new diet, a new spiritual life, a better attititude, a new exercise program, a better way to stay organized.
But what does Jesus mean by making all things new? What does that look like in my daily life as a mom of a toddler and an infant? What is God doing in my life, in my struggles and in my victories? What are the threads he is weaving together into a beautiful tapestry that brings glory to him?
I don't know. But I do know that I want to take the time to look at my life, to sort out some of the thoughts and voices in my head and ask God to reveal himself and his work to me. My life can seem simple and mundane. My problems can seem small and melodramatic, but I am still a part of God's plan, a peice of his art, created in his image to bring him glory.