When Pancake People Persevere

I like to dabble. I have a long list of hobbies: photography, songwriting, running, graphic design, crocheting, reading, golfing, playing cards- the list could go on for quite awhile. Recently, I was talking with a friend who used a funny phrase to describe a friend of hers; "all about." She said her friend was "all about quoting Saturday Night Live."

I found this very interesting. What does it look like to be all about something? Is there one thing I'm all about? Is it even a good thing to be all about one thing?

I neglected to include a major hobby in the list above: googling. I love google. I like knowing an instant answer to a question. This is totally normal for the millennial generation (or Net gen, or iY gen, or whatever they call us now). I recently read an article in which my generation was referred to as "pancake people" - due to rapidly advancing technology and instant gratification, we are turning out like pancakes: a mile wide and an inch deep.

This topic continues to run through my head. Last week I received a weekly e-devotional, and the topic was dabbling. The author suggested the opposite of dabbling was a lot less common in our world today: persevering.

If there was one thing I'm "all about," it would probably be strategy. I enjoy using my time wisely. I constantly multitask, which leads me to accomplish a lot in a day. But, I've found that sometimes this leads me to be a little pancake-y. On Sunday I listened to an hour-long podcast while running, but I didn't remember much from the sermon and I couldn't focus very well on my form, so I ended up being pretty sore. I'm not so good at persevering, because I'm more interested in the desired outcome, and getting there as quick as possible.

When I dabble in something, I am satisfied with small results. I've dabbled my training before, and barely been able to finish a 5k. Sometimes, the process of persevering is more important than the goal. This month I started training for a half-marathon. I think I'm about to learn an important lesson; shortcuts in my training now are going to lead to mucho pain later. When I cross that finish line on June 5, I certainly won't be winning any prize money or a trophy. The real reward comes in the health benefits of months of training, along with a deep sense of accomplishment in sticking to a tough training schedule.

I dabble in a lot of things, and I think that's ok. But I should never dabble in my walk with Christ. I may not enjoy the process at times. I may try to take shortcuts so I don't have to walk through tough stuff. But the outcome of persevering, no matter what it is, is in the hands of the God who knows me better than I know myself. It may not be the way I would have chosen...but you said I'll never go alone.

Pushing past incapable

"If you saw me as I was supposed to be, the contrast between me and the rest of the world would be unbearable."

Do you ever feel like you are incapable of being who you know you can be? That somehow, though no one expects anything from you, you still feel vastly important?

We all need a little push. No matter our fears, our struggles or failures, our hopes and plans and dreams. I get pushed every time I watch this video from my friend Marty, and I hope you do, too.

Formulas.

My car was looking pretty dirty the other day, so I took a trip to the local do-it-yourself car wash.

I had a couple dollars in quarters and figured I could get the car pretty clean for about $2.50. I put the quarters in the machine, turned the knob to "Super Soap Soak" and let 'er rip.

Throughout the process of washing the car, I assumed the power washer would produce the water pressure and suds I needed to get my car moderately clean (mainly just less bug-encrusted). I put the money in and got results.

Here's where I tie in the real-life example and the new found spiritual truth you're expecting (get ready): God is not a coin-operated power washer. (Surprise!)

I definitely don't buy into the prosperity gospel that has wormed its way into the Christian subculture. The view that we believers have a right to blessings of health and wealth from God isn't one that fits within the context of the Bible.

But just because I don't buy in to the sham doesn't mean my bed skirt isn't a little ruffled. I have tendencies that result in treating God like a cosmic ATM (relevant mag's words, not mine).

And it's the little lies that we believe, or half-truths that we let slide, that can be the most devastating.

I like equations. Math is always the same. Two plus two always equals four and I take comfort in that. The funny thing is, there are those equations in the realm of Christianity that are always true. God will always love me, no matter what I do (or don't do). I will find Him when I seek Him with all my heart. He will provide what I truly need - and if I don't receive it, maybe I don't really need it. It's funny how easy it is to doubt these things even though they are as true as two plus two. I hate these cliche type of sayings I just listed, but they really are true. Of all the times I complain about not being about to find God, I must admit I wasn't seeking Him that hard. Of all the times I complain about not getting what I want, I really do have what I need.

I suppose instead of asking God to bless the things I do, I should try doing things I know He will bless. I love to make all kinds of plans, especially in the realm of MPD, but things rarely seem to work out the way I want them to.

I expect results when I step out in faith. Sometimes I see exactly what I expect, while other times I don't see any immediate result. Regardless, it's my job to step out in faith. If you're truly living your life to glorify God, regardless of your occupation, you will have to take steps of faith, leaving the results up to God (helloooo witnessing in the power of the Holy Spirit). Hm. I guess there's one formula that always works!

Fear.

We must have an appropriate view of fear. We must not be afraid of what can happen to us in this world. Our circumstances, like the economy or cancer, may not ever get better even though we want them to. But we must not fear. We are to fear the Lord, as it is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom [Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10].

"To fear and not be afraid--that is the paradox of faith." - A.W. Tozer