SEPTEMBER
This month has been full of growth, reflection, challenges, and plenty to thank God for.
From seeing progress in personal projects to celebrating the Lord’s holy days, I have been reminded that every part of life can teach us something if we are willing to pay attention. These are just a couple of moments from this month that stood out to me.
One of the highlights was seeing the scheduled posts for a side project actually working and going out as planned. It was encouraging to see something I had been preparing begin to function consistently. I did notice that some of the posts were not coming out in high definition, so that is something I will need to fix, possibly by exporting each one separately before scheduling them.
Spiritually, I thank God for the growth I have been experiencing and for every opportunity He gives me to scatter seeds. Sometimes we may not immediately see what comes from the things we share, create, or say, but that does not mean God is not using them. This month reminded me to remain faithful in doing my part and leave the increase to Him.
The biggest challenge was realizing that even when something is working, there are still details that need improvement.
Instead of becoming discouraged by the quality issue, I am treating it as something to learn from and correct going forward. Growth does not always mean everything works perfectly; sometimes growth means recognizing what needs to change and continuing anyway.
I also hope this project can have a positive impact on the people who see the posts. Even if one person is encouraged, learns something, or begins thinking more seriously about God, then a seed has been scattered. I pray that God allows me to scatter even more seeds and that He uses them according to His will.
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”
“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.”
This month I had the opportunity to celebrate the holy days, and the Day of Atonement was especially meaningful to me. As I am writing this, it is the second day of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. These days have reminded me to focus even more closely on God, His commandments, and the hope that we have beyond this present world.
One thing I have noticed is that life seems to become especially distracting when it is time to set things apart for God.
There have been challenges, stress, and worldly concerns trying to pull my attention away from celebrating and rejoicing before the Lord. If you are reading this, please pray for me. I absolutely love my Lord and Savior, and I am determined to celebrate these days of Sukkot without allowing the pressures of everyday life to take my focus away from Him.
This has contributed to my spiritual growth because it has forced me to remember that faithfulness is not only about serving God when life is peaceful. It is also about choosing Him when other things are fighting for your attention. I cannot allow temporary problems to become more important than eternal things. However many years I live in this world, this is still only a temporary home.
Celebrating these days has also strengthened my connection with other believers. There is something powerful about knowing that other people are also seeking God, praying, celebrating, learning, and encouraging one another. Asking others to pray for me is also a reminder that we are not supposed to walk through our struggles completely alone.
Sukkot especially reminds me that our dwelling here is temporary. One day, the temporary gives way to what is eternal. That hope keeps me grounded. This world is not my final home. My true home is with the Lord, and when that day comes, I am coming home.
Looking back, I am thankful for both the progress and the challenges because God can use both to help us grow.
I want to keep moving forward, keep scattering seeds, and keep my focus on the things that are eternal rather than the things that are temporary. Whatever the next month brings, I pray that I continue to grow in faith and become more faithful in everything God places before me.
