Thursday, August 21, 2014

What's happening.


  I've been going through a Ruth study {this plan} with some friends and it has me really thinking about everyone's story. Everyday we all face stuff and make decisions and do things. Some seem small and others really monumental. Some are heartbreakingly tragic and others make our hearts swell with happiness. I know for me, some days and some choices I make seem so ordinary. Especially when I long to be a part of really big kingdom things, you know? Maybe that's why I'm drawn to social work. You see big social problems and take tangible steps to address them. But it's more than that. 
  Do you know Ruth's story? She basically decided to stick with her mother-in-law even though her husband had passed away. She followed her to start a new life together. That one really small and simple act of obedience led to her becoming part of the lineage of Christ! She couldn't have ever known that. She was just being faithful in the everyday parts of her life and it led to really big and beautiful things. She was literally part of Jesus' family! 
  Anyways. Her story has me thinking about my story and your's. It's so hard to see past what is right in front of us. What seems painfully ordinary or hard or maybe even a little thankless. But there's so much more we just can't see! The wife of my college president {did you follow that?} used to tell us girls "what's happening isn't always what's going on." That was for sure the case with Ruth. What was happening was just a girl loving her mother in law well- what was going on was God weaving his story through her by setting an example of what redemption looks like and a descendant of Jesus. Um, wow. 
  So today as I change my millionth diaper and wash the dishes again and mail out a few notes to friends, I'll remember that what's happening isn't what's going on. I'm really loving my son well and blessing my husband and encouraging friends.  Just like how, two years ago, when I cried a lot and mourned after our miscarriage- that was kingdom work. And how, a few years from now, I'll be back into the swing of some sort of full time job focused on helping others and that will be kingdom work, too.
  What's happening with you these days? It may not necessarily be what's really going on. 

3 comments:

Legally Lovely said...

This is such a great post! I didn't know all of that about Ruth, but I like her story.

So often (like, every day) I get caught up in the day-to-day struggles and this is a good reminder to step back and look at the bigger picture and where I've come from and where I'm headed.

stacey said...

I just finished my Ruth study (I'm kinda doing my own thing when it comes to SRT!) and I loved it! Great insight, Katie :) Always so proud to call you my friend!!!

Ana said...

I didn't know about Ruth story. But it's so true. We often get caught up, or even stuck with everyday, ordinary thinks that we lose the main road. And it's so easy to let it happen.
Great insight dear, thanks for sharing!
All the best Katie
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