Passion

I love John Piper when he calls out for 'passion in the pulpit, passion in prayer and passion in conversation', what he calls deep feelings in worthy forms from God besotted hearts and minds. For far too long indeed, we see 'thin whipped-up emotionalism' all around.

A frivolous picture, I recognise. Put bluntly, I have a passion for pralines, and I wish that that passion may be extended to every area of my life - from my job and my walk with the Lord, to relationships, simple daily conversations and the mundane things of life.

I envy my friends who know so clearly what they want in life (from a very earthly perspective, I'd admit). For example, my friend W knows he loves being a lawyer and would have it no other way. My friend K knows deep down that she was called to something higher, something more meaningful than being a teacher (albeit what most of us would call a very noble profession) - and for that, she has been prayerfully called to set up a social enterprise. She is a closest, best-est friend of mine, a blessing and a glimpse of heaven, and I wish and pray all the best for her, that He will show her through this just how much He loves her.

Passion - it is a lovely thing. Call it workaholism (in the context of a job, which occupies most of one's waking hours), if you will. But I declare it beautiful. It is a rare thing to come by, to wake up each morning, knowing with a deep certainty that this is what the Lord has called you to do; knowing that each day may be difficult, but because you love so much what you do, and you know this is what you are called to do, each day whizzes by and you see nothing but His grace and His hand in all things and with all people you meet. Would you not give it all to hold a job like that?

I know - 'in this world, [we] will have trouble but [He] has overcome the world!' I agree; cannot agree more. Without His grace, I would not be what I am today. And I know I have no grounds to complain; not in the least bit. In this financial and economic climate, I should be screaming at the top of my lungs and thanking God for even holding a job. Yet I am ashamed to admit that discontent has crept in, slowly and insidiously, but surely. There is this nagging doubt that I cannot push away, that tells me that there is something more.

At the moment, I don't have an answer, but I will share in another post what He spoke with me about, which blew me away.

claire.