Relax, It's Not Up to You!

I subscribe to an amazing magazine called 'Radiant'. It's a Christian magazine (ok... for those of you who have a different belief... don't stop reading because I said the "C" word! This is good!) that focuses on the real-life issues of being a woman in her 20's-30's+. It has amazing articles that range from Pop culture to design to politics and everything in between (the cover this month features KT Tunstall) and are not 'overly religious'. I am ALL about relationship and have a really hard time with 'RELIGION'. I think people just need to be real and have the heart of Christ. That's what it's all about. Not the 'shoulds' and 'should nots'. Those things are just byproducts and you don't have to try and force it. It should come naturally when you have a relationship. I am by FAR not a 'super Christian' and have a long way to go on this journey.

Ok. I'm diverging. So, anyway, I was reading an article the other day (see my title) and really had an eye opening experience. The author was writing about a dinner party that she had recently with some well-known Christian women. She wanted to 'pick their brains' regarding taking her organization to the next level.

The other women were quick to give her some 'valid, interesting' ideas. Unfortunately, as the ideas increased, so did her stress level --- and she started feeling overwhelmed.

And then there was a shift in the conversation. One woman asked, "Do you think you have achieved this ministry, or received it?". "Because if you've achieved it, then you're going to have to work really hard to make it happen. But if you've received it, as a call from God, then it's His job to make it work."

Simple words, but I feel they were really profound.

Some people may wonder why I have a poem about God on my header. I know stamping and paper crafting is not a 'ministry' per say. But... I feel like creativity is a gift from God. I mean, he invented it! :) He made the whole world in less than a week. Pretty impressive. It may seem insignificant, but I feel that by being creative, I am in a small way, reflecting the characteristics of someone much bigger than me. And... since I believe with my whole heart that my creativity is not 'my own' and was put in me as a 'gift', I should give credit where credit is due.

Lately, I've had a tug in my heart about all of this. I have this feeling of "there is something MORE for me to do, but WHAT?!?" ....like there is a bigger picture somewhere. So I've racked my brain and started feeling that 'overwhelmed' feeling. What should I do? Where should I go? yada yada yada

Then I read this article.

Did I achieve the 'success' that I've had so far or did I receive it? I believe whole-heartedly that it was a gift. So... it's not up to me! And that brings me a lot of peace. Now I can just enjoy the ride, do my best, and see what is in store for me. Who knows. Maybe I am just meant to have an awesome hobby and have fun. Or, maybe there is something more to all of this. I don't know. But I can't wait to find out! :)