Remain in Me

Hi all,
It is funny how this whole book is about slowing down and listening to God and that is the exact opposite of the way I am living. I feel like I have been on a roller coaster and it keeps going, not stopping at the gate. I hope you have been enjoying "Walking with God" and that it has been challenging to you whether we are blogging or emailing or not. All is to stay I am still interested in dialoguing with you if you are still interested.

I am not much further in my reading. I am in the "fall" section and I just can't seem to get past "A Sanctified Life" on page 89. "Remain in me, and I will remain in you." Jesus said (John 15:4) A simple command it seems. And yet, we overlook it.
Here is the part that has my attention. "I want two things that are mutually opposed – I want to live a nice little life, and I want to play an important role in God's kingdom. And yet it's in those times that I am trying to live a nice little life that I make decisions and choices that cause me in small subtle ways to live outside of Jesus. The Shepherd is headed one direction, and I am headed another. Not to some flagrant sin - that's too easy to recognize. Instead, I'm simply wandering off looking for the pasture I deem best. I don't even think to ask God about it."

I have to admit it bums me out when he says they are mutually opposed. Why? Why can't I have both. Ahhhhh! I am not sure I want to go there. It is scary to think how much of my week is spent in decisions and choices that show I want to live a nice little life. Where do I even begin. Starting with my expectations of my kids in that they should be able to do it all and do it well, to how I choose to spend my free time, to my overspending at Costco and the list goes on. I like to have a nice little life. I guess I just thought it was normal that I could do the nice life thing and be fully committed to Jesus at the same time. There are so many areas of my life that I never ask God about. If you continue reading that section (p. 89-92) it talks about how we just want to be normal. It is hard to stop in the midst or our days and ask God what He thinks. So my prayer is that we learn to remain in Him daily. I do like that he knows it is hard. Makes me feel like He understands and almost is saying "I know this is hard but there is a better way to live." I encourage you to read it - Eldredge explores this idea even more. It got my attention - I would love to hear your thoughts.