Shell Shocked!

I recently read a devotional about understanding the "will of God" it made me think about God's calling on our lives. As we understand his will and seek his service are we doing what God has called us to do? Our are we letting other things take over-even good things, good intentions, things that we are capable and able to do, just not called to do.

As the boys and I were at the beach for Labor Day, I walked along and picked up shells, as is my habit- I have to have a compulsion, even on vacation. The first day we were there I decided this time I was going to collect dark colored scallop shaped shells, and large or unique shells. As I walked along I found an abundance of shells, but I also came across some nice shells, but they weren't what I was collecting or even that unique, just interesting. As I filled up one hand with the scalloped shaped shells and the other with "other" shells, the thought hit me, this is how we are with God's calling. We pick up what he's called us to do, then we see something else interesting and we pick that up. Or we see something that we are capable of doing on our own, without God's provision, and we pick that up. Pretty soon our hands are full.

As I was walking along I thought what would I do if I saw the perfect "huge" shell. Would I be willing to let go of the "other" shells? Truthfully, I was torn...I liked my "other" shells. As I applied this to my life I began to ask God what do I need to let go of or what am I holding onto that isn't your calling. I began to pray that God would help me to be willing to give up anything that wasn't of him or his calling on my life. As you reflect on this ask what is God calling you to do? where does he want you to serve? what are you holding onto that is preventing you from doing what God has called you to do? Are you willing to let it go?