Chrystal’s Chronicles Repost (10/01/13): As I think about the journey of Kingdom Woman, I think about how easy it can be to get distracted from what’s really important in life as we face with so many different messages from the world on what a good woman should look like. The reality is that I find my journey as Kingdom Woman in the small things in both the daily challenges and gifts that He allows me to experience. This experience is one of those that teaches me how to look for God in the everyday.
Photo credit via: nythoroughthelens.com
I was driving today and happened to pass through the old neighborhood I lived in when I was in elementary school. Things haven’t changed too much in that neck of the woods and so I always feel a small, slow rise of emotion as old memories come rushing to the front of my mind. One of those familiar things in my old neighborhood is a park that my parents would take me and my siblings to for a “romp and a frolick”. I’m sure this was to assist us in burning off some steam so that we would be ready to bathe and go “night-night” once we got back home 🙂
I have fond memories of that park especially during that season of the year when the tall oak and pecan trees start to shed their leaves, dropping dead, but yet gorgeous, multi-colored foliage on the ground. We would run through those mounds of leaves, many times falling on nature’s cushioned padding. Sometimes, our goal would be to bury ourselves under the crackling piles, only to burst out of them soon after. The absolute most fun in playing at that park was enjoying those leaves with my parents who would engage with us, throwing leaves back and forth, scooping up piles for us to fall in, and helping to bury us up to our chins.
I want to be gorgeous.
I want to be gorgeous as a die to myself and allow myself to be used as God sees fit.
All leaves start out as buds that form on the along branches. Their growth and development is dependent on their connection to the tree. Those leaves don’t turn green without being connected. They don’t grow to their full size unless they are connected. They don’t provide shade or beauty unless they stay connected to the tree.
I can’t do my job as a Kingdom Woman unless I stay connected to the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no way that I will be able to fulfill my calling or destiny unless I am fed by the source of life that created me, determined my unique characteristics, and provided a way for me to bring covering or enhancement to my own life and the life of others.
Connection requires consistency. Those leaves don’t do a whole lot of jumping around. They stay put.
And I learn that my process of maturation will take A LOT LONGER if I am not consistently staying connected to my source.
And that’s not all…
The most beautiful women I know, the ones with the most color, the ones that allow me to enjoy their lives with them, the ones that allow me to learn and grow as they share their journey’s with me…
They are the ones who have are living lives surrendered to God.
Photo credit via: larryjohnmcnally.com
After spending time connected to God, growing and learning from Him, their willingness to sacrifice, be available, and even at times to go unappreciated has allowed me to SEE. I circle their lives like I circled the park in my car and then am drawn in by their beauty. It is because of the their willingness to live their seasons well, that I am blessed by their grace and gorgeous display.
I want to be that woman. The woman who lives life well by staying connected. That allows her design and destiny to be shaped by who God has created me to be. I want to live every season well and then I desire for each of those seasons to provide the platform for me to be a blessing to others.
My takeaway…
Live my current season well.
Live my seasons well-connected.
Knowing that as I live those seasons connected to God, He will allow my sacrifices and my surrender to be used now and in the future for my good and His glory.
WOW, you are definitely in my thoughts! I’ve been praying about this month’s prayer focus for the ministry I serve in and the word “Abiding” kept ringing in my mind. Thank you for confirming it.
Here’s the part that I adored in your blog, “Connection requires consistency. Those leaves don’t do a whole lot of jumping around. They stay put.”. I pray that I abide with our Father and not do a whole lot of “jumping around”.
Great post!
I was convicted of that very thing as I was writing. Praying that I can abide more consistently too 🙂
This analogy is very inspiring… “Connection required consistency” WHEW!!! When I think about my seasoned sisters I see them as this picture. The scripture that comes to mind is Matt 7:16-20. They are known by their fruit. The don’t even need to use a lot of words. Their presence and lifestyle says it all. Wow thank you so much for this journey. God Bless You!!
Yes, this is something we all need to be reminded of. Although we may be fully aware of it, something about being in black and white puts it in even more perspective. We should be able to do what you did as you went back to the park, to look back on the memories of our lives that we have and to know that we lived each season to the fullest and to see the truest beauty in us is dying to self.. to surrender and glorify God. I am reminded of being consistent and having discipline on a daily basis. It’s a choice… if we desire it, we can acquire it. How much do I want it? I already know what I need to do in order to get it and if I don’t, I know where to go to find out what I need to do… and that is what it is all about. Thank you for sharing Chrystal. Love it!!!!
Awesome analogy Chrystal!!! I too am in awe of how such splendor of a leaf can bring about such revelation. I was sitting outside in my yard one day recently and looked up as the branches were changing colors getting ready for the fall season; I too was reminded that as the leaves were still hanging on the tree; they were “abiding” and connected to the source of life known by them. As we are connected to God, who is our source of being in this life; we remain active to do His will. I thank God for your transparency and willingness to share your life with us. This journey has been such a “journey” for me. I have learned some valuable things while listening and sharing with the other ladies. Again, may God continue to Bless you all.
Thanks for sharing so candidly. I too desire for my life to be in total surrender to the Lord. I’m learning (sometimes a slow learner), that when I submit to Him it just works! Consistency is so important for spiritual growth. I appreciate this journey!