Ordinary or Extraordinary? It's Your Choice!

The last time I wrote a blog post I was enjoying a period of early retirement.  I was between jobs,  praying that God would show me what to do in that season.  I hoped that writing another book might be part of his plan but I couldn't quite seem to find the inspiration or motivation to write anything more than my daily journal entry.  My life of leisure was short-lived and I returned to the best job I've ever had, doing work that God has uniquely equipped me to do.  

Will I ever write another book?  Probably not, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.  Despite the fun of  book fairs and book signings, meeting fellow authors, and having a sense of accomplishment, I have found that embracing the ordinary in this season has probably been the most extraordinary journey of my life.  More than ever I believe that God's words are true:

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. -- Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) 

If you feel your life is an ordinary mess, you're in good company!  Embrace your ordinary and look for God's little touches along the way.  They're there.  For me, they're in the hearty laughter of a son at the end of a stressful work day, the quiet beauty of a daughter who inspires others with her creativity, and in the heartfelt song of a spouse whose love of singing cannot be contained.  You might find God's touches in the hands of an aging parent, the shoulders of a compassionate friend, and in the stranger that bought you a cup of Starbucks on a morning when you really needed a second cup to give you courage to face another day.  

It has been said that life is what we make it.  I confess I fail miserably at making a good life most days.  I prefer to leave that job to the One who knows me best, loves me most, and has promised me a life of purpose and peace as I keep my eyes fixed on him. 

Copyright © 2022 by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.com

Becoming Invisible

"He must become greater; I must become less.”  (John 3:30, NIV)

This is a blog post I will never share to social media.  If anyone finds and reads it, it will be because the Holy Spirit directs them here.

Dear Jesus,

I am writing this to you to let you know that you are enough for me.  More than enough.  But I have thought more of myself and what others think of me than about what pleases you.  I'm sorry.

I have spent the past ten years writing books and sharing devotionals.  In vain I even attempted launching a speaking ministry. The novelty of all that wore off a long time ago because, if I am honest, I have grown weary of checking my Facebook and other social media posts to see if what I feel compelled to write and share really matters.  Why should it matter to me if anything I write makes a difference in someone else's life?

In a week I am going off the social media grid, embarking on a technology fast to heighten my sensitivity to your voice and the leading of your Holy Spirit. This will enable me to focus on learning the responsibilities of my new job and compile a book of devotionals as a gift to Mom.  Whether or not it gets published for anyone else's eyes to read will be up to you. 

When I consider my life and all the blessings it holds, I am humbled.  I don't deserve the home we live in, the car I drive, or the job that you just gave me.  I don't deserve your mercy or forgiveness, and I certainly don't deserve being used by you to accomplish your purposes, but I am SO grateful! 

Because of the pandemic and racial tensions of 2020, this year has been awful, but in the past few months of isolation you have been ever-present with me.  You have answered many prayers and brought me into a new season of service and ministry.  You know the frustrations I have experienced the past few years and you are handling them by orchestrating changes that will result in greater joy and purpose.  I receive every day, every challenge, and every blessing as gifts from your hands.

With one breath, one lightning strike, one tragic accident you could remove every source of joy and blessing in my life, but you cannot remove yourself.  Lord, you are everything to me and I am holding onto you with both hands!  As long as I have you, there really is nothing else I need. 

Lord, continue to teach me your word and your ways.  Continue to shape my desires to be in line with your will.  Give me the courage to become invisible so that you may shine brighter in my life. 

I am tired -- so very tired -- of trying to impress people.  Help me to live my life with my eyes set on you alone.  I cannot live unto myself, but until I can fully see you I will flounder in my ministry to others.  Let everything good in me be an overflow of your abundant goodness and grace.  And when I mess up and revert to my old ways, as it is in my human nature to do, gently and swiftly remind me of this prayer.

Lord, I love you more than anyone will ever know!

Dee Dee



Copyright © 2020 by Dee Dee Wike. All rights reserved. www.deedeewike.com