What Are You Pursuing?

So I went back to school a little over a year ago and it has been a challenge, a joy, a time consuming venture. I am so glad I have gone back but as I stayed up late last night finishing I was wondering if it is worth the lack of sleep and time away from my family, etc. The truth is...it is worth it.

I have known for a long time what I wanted to be when I grew up but I just haven't pursued it until now. I'm sure you can relate with life creeping in and squeezing out the things you know you should be doing. It isn't that what you are doing isn't fulfilling or wonderful or what you should be doing either it is just that it isn't what you know you could do to your fullest. There isn't anything better to me than being a mom to my daughters and a wife to my husband; it is the richest blessing of my life. But I don't think those will be diminished by my pursuing what I have wanted to do since I was a junior in high school. In fact it could make me better at those things. Living with unfulfilled expectations is a taxing experience on any person; resigning yourself to not reaching a goal or dream can be defeating. So even though the extra work and time is a huge commitment it is a step in making me more of who I believe God has created me to be. This can only be an enhancement to what I am currently doing, right? Right.

My husband and girls have been incredibly supportive as has my extended family and friends. I couldn't have continued had I not had their support. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue this dream of mine; God is so good. In the Word we have a promise and I believe His Word is true and that anytime we obey Him and pursue what He has called us to do there is a grace for the process and blessing in the outcome. In Ephesians 3:20 (AMP), it says, "Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]". We all have to potential to be more than we are today, to pursue Him more, and to be transformed by obeying what He leads us to do.

What are you pursuing in your life? Is it a degree, a promotion, a healthier lifestyle, a better relationship with your family, with God? Whatever it is if it is you can do it if it is in obedience to what God has for your life. Don't give up! Don't quit!! Like Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty used to say, "Finish STRONG!"