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The other day I went to pick up the few things we needed from Wal-Mart. Almost immediately after getting home, I noticed several other things we needed. So, a couple of days later, there I was right back at the dreaded Wal-Mart yet again. Sure enough, as soon as I got home I thought of a couple of other things that I needed.
It’s never-ending! It’s like the laundry – the moment I get that last article of clothing folded, the hamper is full again. Or the dishes. I wash the last dish only to see something new in the sink. And on, and on, and on, and on.
Learning spiritual truths is the same. One day we’re learning something awesome and we feel like we’re climbing on top of things. Then the next day we realize that we’ve yet another lesson to learn. And another. And another.
But in many ways, spiritual growth is different, isn’t it? It’s a joyful thing! We get to grow! We get to become more like Christ! And it never ends! It’s great!! Right?
If I’m honest, I would have to admit that I don’t always have that attitude. Frequently, the continual nature of spiritual growth hits me in the same way another trip to the grocery store does. Okay. Here we go again. Maybe this time we’ll be caught up for at least a week!
As I read through Scripture, I realize that even the spiritual giants got weary of the growing and learning sometimes. But, they never stayed there. The Lord reminded them of the incredible nature of His relationship with them. He picked them up and refilled them with the joy of learning and growing – the joy of communing with and abiding in Him!
Have you noticed lately that you’re weary of growing? Weary of learning? Weary of yet another new challenge or experience? Are you finding at all that it seems like household chores? Something you wish you could be caught up on, even if just for five minutes?
Be reminded first of all that growing and learning in Christ are continual. There is no rest from them. Not for your entire life. If you see one lesson after another come your way, get used to it! That’s life. If you don’t, figure out why and get there. Then get used to it!
Be reminded secondly that there is joy in the learning. There is joy in the growing. The Lord lifts us up and fills us with His presence. Even in the hard times, there is joy simply because we are in His presence and in communion with Him.
Meanwhile, if we maintain joy in Him in the growing and learning, we just might find a little extra joy in the other never-ending tasks as well!
Not Quite Ordinary 