Mom Heart Moments #240

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

MANY YEARS AGO, Joy and I were at one of my conferences and at the end of one long day, we were lying under the stars on some lounge chairs having a lovely conversation about the need to cultivate our souls. I was sharing what I would plant in my own soul garden, and what I needed to pluck out (sin, bad attitudes) in order to be sure that my heart was always growing more into the person I want to be, when I grow up into His likeness.

So each of us came up with five attributes describing the person we wanted to grow into. Here are mine:

1. I want to be a person who is characterized by biblical, generous love —to all people, in all situations, as much as possible.
2. I want to always lean in the direction of faith at every curve in my path —to believe in Him, always, and honor Him with a heart of faith.
3. I want to leave a legacy of truth, wisdom, and righteousness through teaching and writing and speaking, that others may know and love Him more because I was intentional in their lives.
4. I want to be humble, gentle, and gracious —redeeming the lost, healing the brokenhearted —and bring this spirit into my relationships.
5. I want to take initiative to serve and reach out to others and be a faithful servant leader —to be as Jesus was. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us —He sought us.

So what do you want to be when you grow up? Whatever grid you establish in your mind is how you will live and how you will invest. I am praying that you will be inspired to live in the excellencies of His Spirit, who is stirring inside of you.

What five attributes do you want to characterize your life?