I went on the women's retreat for our church this weekend. The theme of the weekend's study sessions was 'Parables from the Backside' (by J. Ellsworth Kalas). The point was to look at the parables of JESUS from a different viewpoint. It really made one think about how we really don't all see things the same. Each of us is on our own walk with GOD, each of us is on a different place on the path towards spending eternity with HIM. And those different places on the path make us see things in our own ways.There are so many questions, so many things to learn about HIM, and about Heaven and eternity. And there are so few answers that are black and white.
Sometimes it seems like the more questions we ask, the less we know. Not that we lose knowledge, but that we realize how much there is to know, and how little we truly understand.
Soon I start my classes... the first step on the road to becoming an ordained minister. I am excited about the learning... I saw the titles of the classes I'll be taking down the road and they sound really exciting. How much will I learn, and how much will I realize I don't know??? What will I see from the 'backside' that will change my understanding of my GOD? How will my relationship with HIM change and grow thru this journey? Is that the purpose of HIM sending me on this journey? To draw me closer to His side? I will be the first to admit that I don't always look to HIM first. I worry, I doubt, I ponder, I try to process, but I don't always turn to HIM and humble myself to ask for His help. This new journey isn't one I will be in control of, and it isn't one I can do on my own. I so need His help and grace, His strength and courage. Maybe that is the real purpose... the 'backside' purpose to this. And the end goal...becoming one of His shepherds, is just how I am suppose to use what I learn and how I grow.
My Lord and Strength... please help me see You in all of this. Please help me to recognize Your strength and grace along the journey, and to accept all You are freely giving me. In Your precious Son's name, Amen.
