A Few Things I’ve Learned

Sitting here thinking back over this year and all the things I learned. God’s been faithful through it all and I just can’t help but be overwhelmed by how richly he’s blessed me

A lot happened, too, this year. Lots of changes. Riley went off to college. Amy got married. I turned 20.

I’m grateful to God for this past year. He’s convicted me about a lot of different things. I’ve prayed more, relied on Him more, and learned how hopeless I really am in my own strength.

So here’s another list. Just a few of the things I’ve learned (or relearned) in 2009.

1. Unselfishness.

There are no excuses for not obeying God and serving Him. No matter what state we find ourselves in He’s still given us all we need to live a life of godliness. We’re never exempted. When we look at other people’s problems the godly choice or action always seems obvious to us. But we think of ourselves – or at least I do – Well I have a legitimate excuse for not doing what I should. For me, “I’m blind. Nobody can expect me to, say, reach out to someone in need. I mean, shouldn’t people be reaching out to me?” But that’s a sinful and selfish thought. God commands us to: Philippians 2:3-7 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. That’s essentially the Golden Rule. So that means showing godly friendliness to someone at church even though I feel awkward or I’d rather not leave the safety and security of my seat. Hard but right. I’ve been working at this all year.

2. Edifying speech.

I’ve been convicted to try to have intentional conversations that build other people up. We so often just talk to say something – at least I find myself doing that all the time. Most especially because I don’t want people to feel uncomfortable around me so I try to say something – anything – just to put them at ease. But I really need to watch out against foolish words and worthless conversations. Life’s too short for that.
Besides, God’s been pretty clear with us about what he expects in that area: Ephesians 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

3. Gratitude and Meekness

By this I don’t really mean ordinary thankfulness for all the things God’s blessed me with. I need that, too, but I was convicted about something even more specific. Other people may not struggle with this as much. Maybe I should call it (the fault) resistance to pity or aversion to help. Pride? Maybe? I guess pride underlies most sin. And I think the character flaw that fault reveals is a lack of gratitude and meekness.

Alright, here’s an example. Even if it seems patronizing, for instance, if I’m perfectly able to cross a street by myself and someone stops to help me, it’s still nice of them to stop. I should let them have their good feeling. I should be grateful. It’s nice of them to try to be helpful. I can at least appreciate the spirit of the thing even if the help itself wasn’t necessary. A lot of people would rather slink away. I know it. That happens all the time. Enough that I can appreciate people who quell their fear of people who are different from them and try to be kind and helpful. It’s pride and ingratitude that makes me rebel against help. That’s sin. It’s not sin to be helped.

So that’s another thing I’ve been working on this past year. It’s hard because lots of other blind people will encourage an attitude of arrogant independence. But that’s not right. My life’s goal is not to prove to the world that blind people are just as capable and independent as sighted people. My life’s goal is to grow in godliness and show the love of Christ to others.

So those are just a very few of the things God’s given me grace to work on this year. I’m so grateful for his love and grace and protection through another year and I know he’ll be faithful in this new one.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

God bless!
Jason

New Years Resolutions

I know everyone talks a lot about New Year’s Resolutions: whether they’re helpful or ridiculous. I for one have no problem with them. I always make a few. Truly, I think that all throughout the year, every day of our lives, we should be consistently getting convicted about things, making resolutions, setting goals, trying to do better, grow closer to the Lord. God can work in our lives anytime and through any means.

So here are a few of my 2010 Resolutions, the less personal ones, anyway:

1. Evangelize more.

There are so many lost, hurting, miserable people out there who don’t know the Lord and are still struggling under their burden of sin and guilt. It’s really sad that we can be so consumed with ourselves that we won’t witness to someone just because they might get annoyed, or take it the wrong way, or they might think we’re weird. Christ gave his life for us! And we can’t even tell other people the good news just because we feel funny or embarrassed? I’m so ashamed. I know I’m guilty of this and I needs to change.

2. Do more for others.

I need to be intentional about it. I realized that my mindset isn’t always that of “What can I do to help?”. I need to try to remember to look for opportunities instead of letting myself be served. Whatever I can do – anything, even little things like unloading the dishwasher. It’s a daunting task for me and other people can do it so much faster but that’s really no excuse for me not to do it. Comparisons are wrong. I’m accountable to God for myself. It doesn’t matter how my abilities compare to other peoples. As Galatians 6:4 says: Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that... Don't compare yourself with others.


3. Read the Bible more.

I read or listen to Scripture every day. The problem is I find myself reading more from the New Testament, Psalms, Proverbs, Job. I need to read it all. I shouldn’t avoid the more confusing and unsettling parts of Scripture. It’s all given by inspiration from God and it’s all useful for doctrine and instruction, you know.

4. Learn how to play the chaconne in D minor on the guitar.

I wish! :)

Nah, just kidding! I think my true resolution would be to teach guitar. I need another job. Problem is I wouldn’t want to make people pay for it. I’m not that good. I started teaching a boy from church a while ago but that kind of fizzled off after a few times. Now he’s too old, probably, to want me to teach him. I’m going to start teaching a young friend of mine. I guess I just need to be bolder and pursue things. Maybe at church next Sunday I’ll talk to his mom and set up a day he can come over.

And, I can't forget: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I hope you all have a wonderful new year in the Lord.

God bless!
Jason