Reminders

Over this past year, I have once again come face to face with my humanity, its depravity and my need of a Savior.  I guess I never forgot it completely.  Yet one hazard of the Christian life is the tendency to measure performance and grade ourselves on how well we are living particularly in comparison with others.  Due to our pride, we deceive ourselves believing we are better off than we are.  Eventually, we all face the reality of shortcomings and failures, regardless of our maturity, strength or stature.  It is part of our shared human experience.

Scripture states that there is a time and a season for everything.  I guess it was my time for a reminder.  Recent years have been so full of major life events, that the cumulative weight of them became so heavy and I buckled under the load.  Carrie found herself crying and I found myself cussing, neither of which is our normal nature.  During this season, I was reminded once again of how life is filled with beauty and difficulty simultaneously.  At one point, when the weight felt unbearable, I realized my satisfaction and joy in life were derived from my performance and circumstances.  Unconsciously, those had moved to the center of my life and God had been pushed to the side.

I took a deep breath and asked God for forgiveness and that he once again take his rightful place at the center.  The weight hasn’t subsided and my legs aren’t fully stable, yet I have God’s peace and I trust that he is holding me.  As I look back over the year, I thank God for the weight and the difficulty, not because it was good, but because I needed the reminder.

Comments 18

  1. Thank you Danny for your transparency. You are a surrogate for us all. We all have those seasons, and are perpetually challenged by these realities. You have strengthened me by your words. Thank you, oh man of God. Keep fighting the good fight. The rewards will be worth it!
    Phil

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  2. Danny,
    Thank you so much for your authenticity and expressing the reality of life that we all face at some point. Jack & I faced this reality in our family a few years back that brought us to our knees literally. He wasn’t surprised at all with our shortcomings. We found God to be faithful and that we could trust Him. Today, we are stronger because of those trials!

    We are so grateful God brought you, Carrie and your families to Woodlake.

    Jack & I love you both!

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      So kind of you Soni. You and Jack hold a special place in our hearts as you were the first folks we met at Woodlake and you were welcoming and gracious. Thanks for your kind words, for reading my story and sharing yours.

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      1. Your statement, (“The weight hasn’t subsided & my legs are not fully stable, yet I have God’s peace and trust that he is holding me.”) is right where I’m at. Thank you for expressing it so clearly.

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          1. Danny,
            Thank you for sharing your heart. What a “real” way to connect with others. Stay fast to your walk of dedication & faith as He continues to strengthen & stabilize your journey ahead. “They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength, they will mount up with wings of Eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31. Praying you feel His arms around you!

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  4. Danny –
    Love the fact that you’re willing to be transparent. Great remainder for all us to be self examining and course correct as necessary.
    Thanks for the good word!

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  5. As I read this, Darrell Evans’ song I’m Trading My Sorrows comes to mind. Sing it with me brother. I’m trading my Sorrow, I’m trading my shame I’m layin them down for the joy of the Lord. I’m trading my sickness I’m trading my pain I’m layin them down for the joy of the Lord. We say yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord yes Lord yes Lord yes yes Lord amen. I am bruised but not crushed persecuted not abandoned pressed down but not destroyed I am blessed beyond the curse for his promise will endure andHiis joys gonna be my strength…
    Love you bro.

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