During one of my morning quiet times, I posed this question: What needs to happen for me to feel accomplished? I'd made a list of things I desired for this year, and as I read over that list, I asked myself, "what would it take?" Take care when you throw a question out to the universe. God is listening, my friends. I Googled It...Have a question? Google is there to answer. As a writer, I google a lot of information. So, it seemed logical to simply ask, "What does achievement mean? As usual, Google was ready to answer. Here's what I found... Mr. Webster said, 1. proficient as the result of practice or training. 2. established beyond doubt or dispute. 3. to bring a result by effort. OK, so basically, Webster says that you accomplish something by seeing it through. Right. I often have a little trouble seeing things, especially things I don't really want to do, through. But to be accomplished, I need to do that thing. Finish it. Whatever it is. **sigh** Okay then. You think so, huh? Back to Google... I did find a couple of interesting thoughts as I searched my question on the inter-webs. I found others were also asking that question. So many, evidently, that in the question section of the search, I found this... and I'm not entirely sure where it came from, but here we go, I'll paraphrase: To accomplish something is to get it done. (Webster's said that, too. Got it, but... I'm still lacking that deeper, heartfelt understanding that my question was seeking.) It went on to say that some people seek to accomplish something that awards them with a sense of pride. Pride can be good. But it can also be a downfall. Guess it's all in how you look at it??? However... People can also accomplish things that are immoral like scandals and cons. You know, like "Mischief Managed" and all that, right? Do you think these people are also proud of what they accomplish? This is where inspiration for bad guys comes from, you know? Along with that, I found some lists that offered tips on how to accomplish things, which I pretty much knew. I mean, I have my goals for the year set. I've broken them down into doable tasks. I even have a cute notebook with stickers and washi tape to help me stay interested in it. (I like color, what can I say?) But still... something is missing here. I know all this. Yet, I feel that I'm lacking somehow. Yes, I've published books. Yes, I get most stuff done. But for what? What does it take for one to feel satisfied, or successful in their life? Usually, I feel as if I'm treading water and running out of breath. I was still left wondering what it'll take for me to reach this elusive plateau? At this point, I realized that Google really doesn't have all the answers. But, didn't we know that from start? So, I began to wonder, "Does the Bible have anything to say about success and achievement?" Why yes, my friends, it really does. A lot, as it turns out. A Good Question To Ask Ourselves What is our motivation for success? Is it a desire for personal gain and glory, or is it for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom? Here's another thing this question led me to ponder... The Lord Jesus lived out God's perfect will. We all know that. So what will God be more impressed with when we are face-to-face with Him one day? Will we be able to say that we've accomplished what He desired for our lives, or will we realize too late that we were indifferent about it? So, as I thought about this, I had to ask myself, "What work do I feel that God has given me to do?" Sometimes the work he gives is doesn't turn out as we think it should in His upside-down Kingdom. If you really think about it, I believe you'll agree with me. Consider Paul and Joseph who went through all kinds of stuff to live out God's desires for their lives. Or what about inexperienced Joshua who was given a task that seemed so impossible that God had to remind him several times to be brave and courageous. In the Bible, God has given us instructions on how to live an accomplished life. He wants us to abide in Him, to obey his commands and to walk the path of truth He has established for us. Well, that was a little different that what Google said, you think? This is my conclusion...
True accomplishment will come about as I seek to know God's will, and follow the path He lays out for me. It's not so much in how many books I publish, or if I finally get a best seller flag. It's in if I'm telling the stories that encourage His children and build up His Kingdom. I'm thinking, that impresses Him more than being able to check off all the tasks in my long lists of things to do. So, I'll aim to live my life justly, according to His word and guidance, and to always seek to be pleasing in His sight. In this, I'm sure is where I'll find true accomplishment. Now, what do you think? Am I on the right track? Share your thoughts below in the comments. I'm so eager to hear what you think about this topic. Until later, Happy reading and Blessings on you all! J. Castle
1 Comment
Kim Osborne
1/24/2020 08:41:59 pm
I totally agree! Amen!
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Author InfoJackie Castle is an author, artist and dreamer. She lives in Texas with her husband, two grown children and her dog, Banjo. She looks for the extraordinary in the ordinary in everything she experiences. Keep Up With Story World News!Signup for news and special offers! Thank you!You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Archives
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