Sowing for the Future

So this morning I really wanted a pair of socks to wear.  By nature I prefer to be warm and toasty and get cold pretty easily (not a very good trait to have living in Ohio).  And usually at work its freezing…so much so that it can often be colder inside the building than it is outside.  My feet are one of my first body parts to get cold (my nose is the other).  And if they are cold, I’m pretty much cold all over.  Sometimes I remember to bring an extra pair of socks from home, while others I don’t.  But today I remembered I kept an extra pair in my desk drawer just in case I needed them in the future.  Well, I was so grateful that my past self thought enough about my future self’s comfort that I left a pair of socks in the drawer.  And that got me thinking.  Often our past decisions effect the outcome of our future lives.  They shape and mold our personality, character and mindsets.  They allow certain people in our lives, or maybe even remove others from them…

As a child I really had no friends.  I was pretty much a loner, very introverted and seldom outgoing.  I was satisfied with reading a good book and spending time with my grandmother.  There was a period of time which was particularly lonely, where I faced harassment and abuse from my peers.  I would hide out away from the crowd often to avoid the bullies at school.  I look back on that time now and realize that period of life shaped my personality in various ways.  More than likely I was not SUPPOSED to be a loner.  Although I leaned towards being introverted, I was probably more outgoing than I was allowed to express at that time.  I was in “survival” mode and tried to become invisible.  I was a bright, intelligent child however my environment did not afford me the opportunity to “shine”.  I remember fearing my birthday every year that it would take place during the school term (as opposed to during spring break, which it sometimes fell on) because I didn’t want to draw attention to myself.  I didn’t want people to feel obligated to wish me Happy Birthday or the other outcome; they wouldn’t wish me Happy Birthday at all.  Back then, there were decisions I made and others made for me which went on to shape me in ways I am probably still not aware of even today.

But then God redeemed…

Now I have abundant life and if I’m alone it’s by choice.  God took those personality traits and mindsets which originated from pain and replaced them with truth.  Even if we make poor choices which are not in the best interest of “our future selves” God can take those poor choices and make them work for our good.  As we grow in His image we think like Him and our decisions are made to please Him. Since He always has our best interest at heart our future self benefits as well.

Now I count down to every birthday, MONTHS in advance.  Now I realize I am worth celebrating.  I hope to continue to make good decisions in my present which will reap an abundant blessing in my future (even if they are as small as leaving socks in my desk drawer at work, *smile*).  I know as I continue to live for Him, my riches truly will be stored up in heaven and my future will be bountiful.  I pray the same for you.

Jeremiah 29 ¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Romans 8 ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Matthew 6 ¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Galatians 6 ⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. ⁸ Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. ⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

God Bless!