Friday, January 30, 2009

I Was Made for Another World

"C. S. Lewis Song" by Brooke Fraser

If I find in myself desires nothing in this world can satisfy,
I can only conclude that I was not made for here
If the flesh that I fight is at best only light and momentary,
then of course I'll feel nude when to where I'm destined I'm compared

Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the morning
I will sigh and with all creation groan
as I wait for hope to come for me

Am I lost or just less found?
On the straight or on the roundabout of the wrong way?
Is this a soul that stirs in me, is it breaking free,
wanting to come alive?
Cause my comfort would prefer for me to be numb
And avoid the impending birth of who I was born to become

Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the morning
I will sigh and with all creation groan
as I wait for hope to come for me

For we, we are not long here
Our time is but a breath,
so we better breathe it
And I was made to live,
I was made to love,
I was made to know you

Hope is coming for me
Hope, He's coming

Speak to me in the light of the dawn
Mercy comes with the morning
I will sigh and with all creation groan
as I wait for hope to come for me

You may wonder as I did why the song is titled as it is. I love the writings of C.S. Lewis. In the book Mere Christianity, he writes, "If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world." I believe this song was born out of this very idea. It's not a new idea at all. King Solomon put it to the test and you can read about it in Ecclesiastes. Although I have come no where near experiencing everything in this world, I can also say with certainty that I was made for another world.

I have somewhat recently "discovered" Brooke Fraser. Her music is thought provoking and beautiful.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Out With the Old...

I am soaking in the "newness" of this day. In reality, each day is new and I don't normally make grand resolutions or things of that sort with the new year, but today feels different. Today I am cancer free.

One of my friends laughs at me because she makes resolutions, and I say, "Why do I want to make a resolution I know full well I will break? There's nothing magical about January 1st." - my more cynical side. I don't have anything against resolving changes or improvements in your life. I just think those resolutions mean more when you make them in the moment, rather than waiting to officially begin on a certain date or day of the week even. I mean, how many times have I thought to myself - starting Monday I'm going to be disciplined about getting to the gym or eating better or organizing my craft room or whatever?

As I look ahead to 2009 I have many thoughts running through my mind. My list can be pretty long when I get rolling on it. I would like to spend more time snuggling with my kids, reading, playing games or whatever rather than feeling guilty about my to do list. I would like to get serious about taking care of myself. I want to eat more healthy, fruits and vegetables especially. I want to get more physically fit, which does include shedding some pounds so I have more energy and feel better overall. I want to finish decluttering. We did a lot before and after we moved into our house a little over a year ago, but I still have a couple of untouched areas that make me feel weighted down. I would also like to read through the Bible this year in addition to studying some books individually. I'd like to be more intentional about keeping in touch with people and getting to know others better. There are some other thoughts I could mention too, but it's already looking like a pretty busy year!

I feel I should also mention that, although I am feeling good about my health right now, I didn't wait for the completion of my treatment to begin some of these things. With the exception of the recent cookie and sweet treat season, I have been eating healthier. I have also been more intentional about snuggling and playing with our children as well as working on some other things as time and energy have allowed. Life is worth living well, whether things are rosey or not.

If I had to summerize - I want to live authentically, purposefully and well in 2009. On my own, I would only fail miserably, but Lord willing, I will move one step at a time toward His plan and purpose for my life.