Well this is an interesting thought/question and maybe I can get some feedback from my readers?
I was talking to one of my good friends like literally 20 minutes ago just about life and the reality of it. And I brought up the question: Where do we draw the line between being complacent and ungrateful?
I've actually wondered this for a long time because I've made it no secret that I have no desire to live where I'm living anymore. My heart is in Europe, a place I have never lain eyes on but feel so drawn to. But when do I stop and say, "Whoa. Let's stop here. I'm beginning to be ungrateful."
I hear all the time that we should be happy where we are in life. But I refuse to be complacent. I will not, I repeat, will not be satisfied by staying in one place for the rest of my life. I can feel it right now and it is as strong now as it was years ago. In fact, I'm feeling it stronger. Like my head is bouncing against the ceiling.
I think that being ungrateful would mean that I was taking advantage of everything and everyone around me which I'm most certainly not doing.
But what is wrong with wanting something more?
Something better?
Something new?
Is that too much to ask?
And how would one go about leaving everything and everyone they know to pursue a life that is unclear. Where is the line between faith and foolishness?
Faith is clearly stated in Hebrews 1:1-3 (ESV) "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the Word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible..."
See? And weren't those champions of faith seen as foolish carrying out things that they were complete unsure of? I believe it's merely a manner of perception. The world will see is as foolhardiness but a Christian should be able to look at it and see faith at work. But I feel like there are a lot of Christians who will look at me and see a foolish boy hoping for many things and ungrateful.
A part of me wants to say "Screw you" but there's another part of me is wary of my decisions...I don't know. I feel like I start blogs with a thought and it carries into a rant. But who cares. It's my blog. I do what I wants! Haha!
But let me know what you think in the comments. I never ask for comments but I'm interested to hear what other points of view there are. If I don't see comments, I will assume that all my readers agree with me completely. :)
Till Next Time...
There is nothing wrong with wanting more, just so your reasons are clear and rightious. Are you wanting more for yourself or for God, is it about what Steven can do for God or what God can do through Steven.
ReplyDeleteWhat is better, is it a better paying job or a move that forces you to trust God and people see your foolishness at the moment, but God's plan unfolds and His work is evident in you.
Is new always better? I've seen plenty a new car at my job have far more troubles and issues then old ones.
The line between faith and foolishness lies in why you seek and do, for yourself or for God?
I'll add my two cents...just cause you asked :D
ReplyDeleteI'd echo the comment above...find out God's heart for the world and your place in it. He gives us the desires that are in our hearts because He has a plan for our lives! But it does matter where our motives lie. God has given you a heart for Europe and to travel! Awesome! Search what His heart is for Europe, what He wants to happen there..and what your place in that is. I also think gratefulness is found in being where your feet are. That doesn't mean you want to stay there forever, but in this moment, He is enough. In the valleys, He prepares & shapes us for the mountains we are to face.
For instance, I feel like I want to go into journalism in a mobilization form to travel overseas and bring it back to America. After two years of "gap years" where I interned in Texas and then traveled to Thailand and Vietnam, coming back to good ol' Clayton isn't exactly the most appealing thing. But I know that He has to prepare me for what He has for me & that might be found in the mundane at times. But I'm grateful for what I can do for Him NOW and what He has to show for me now. If I stay here the rest of my life, I KNOW that for what He has called me to, that would be complacency, but for right now, I can be grateful for where my feet are. Haha, hope that makes sense! :)