faithMile

by Paula R. Baines

Are you going to church, yet not really there mentally? Oh that has happened to me recently. I hate to admit it though. I am not sure when this start happening but I have noticed it occurring more often.

My husband stated that he goes to church to be thankful for what he has been given in life. He stated that he is concerned that I spend more time worrying about other things and not really there mentally. Strangely I feel I’m only reminded of things that I have not done. Guilt? Perhaps.

I think my spirit has been buried under all the calendar commitments and “to-dos” that I have yet to do. Unfortunately, church has become another thing to do. Not only has my head not been there but my heart has not either.

I was just reading an article on the Internet that included the following biblical quote:

“throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

I lack the spiritual energy to keep up with life and realize that maybe if I let go and let God, my burdens will be lifted. I desperately need to be restored. Help.

You know what is even more frustrating I am writing an inspirational motivational book about growing in the spirit and attitude. Ironically, I could use a major attitude adjustment myself.

I work on my book each day to complete a chapter by week’s end, plus the other things on my “to-do” list. I have been bogged down by goal of achievement, i.e. self publishing my book and signing those autographs that I have forgotten who gave me the talent to write in the first place.

Have you ever been bogged down by goals that you forgotten your original purpose for achieving them in the first place? Do you spend more time counting the “to-dos” then counting your blessings? I have to raise my hand on those two accounts as well.

I have resolved to be more grateful for what I have in life than what I have left undone. I have resolved to restore my spirit so I can achieve what I need to do to live with purpose. I resolve to concentrate when I am church so I can filled again with the spirit so I can meet the daily challenges of life during the week.

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalm 51:12).

——————————————————————————–

Paula R. Baines is writer and publisher who resides in Hampden, Maine with her husband of nine years and two young sons. She publishes a bimonthly newsletter called Vantage Point E-News and a website, PowertoGrow.homestead.com. She can be reached via e-mail at AdvantagedImage@aol.com.