Third graduation

My third graduation approaches in four months. As I analyze my feelings about this one, compare them to my emotions of the previous ones, I've decided that I have become a little less self-focused than I was. With my high school graduation I had a huge sense of the world before me and how I was going to impact it by bringing justice to the masses as an FBI private investigator. What, are you laughing? Seriously-- that was what I wanted to do and spent four years in college working toward.

With my college graduation I had high dreams of rescuing abused children from their perpetrators. Working in the field for nine years I would not say I have rescued any children, but I hope I have instilled hope in their hearts and given them a glimpse of life with a loving caretaker while living in the grace and hope given to me by my heavenly Father.

So, with my upcoming graduation, with the goal of working as a nurse in Africa, I think I am slightly less focused on myself, and understanding to a new level , my utter dependence on the grace of God. It is because of Him and for Him that I exist.

"When you fully comprehend that there is more to life than just here and now, you will begin to live differently." Angie Satterthwaite

Priority and Purpose

Within the past few days I have been reminded of my Independence, pride and self-sufficiency. I have a tendency toward thinking my personality type of "working hard, being passionate, pleasing people, making a difference, etc." has me in just the right place for my future in medical missions.

I met with Fellowship Bible missions pastor/Perspectives preceptor this past Thursday. We talked about all kinds of practical things I can be doing to get ready for 'work' in Africa. Toward the end of the conversation he said, "Sheila, I know you know this, but make sure you are working on your personal relationship with God. On the mission field being a hard working people pleaser or 'needs the approval and praise of man' will not sustain you. A missionary must be closely connected with Jesus. He must be your motivation and source."

Of course I know that and am seeking a closer relationship with my Savior, but he hit the nail on the head, whether he knew it or not, with the "people pleaser, needing the approval of man" thing. I am aware of those unpleasant aspects of my personality.

He gave me a couple of books to read to help prepare me for evangelism and dependence on God for strength and joy. I plan to begin working through these as soon as nursing school ends.

Currently, the Bible and a devotional book are the only books other than my textbooks that I am taking time to read--and the spiritual development time is not balanced with the school reading. With the demands of the program, working part-time and seeking to spend at least a little bit of time with the precious friends in my life--I do not spend as much time on my relationship with Jesus as I should. I recognize in me worldly thinking on a daily basis. I need more of the Word to renew my mind and make me more like Jesus.

"For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:18