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

The Next Right Thing

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  --  Colossians 3:17, NIV

During the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 many people with time on their hands have ramped up their reading.  Recently I finished a book that impacted me, The Next Right Thing -- A Simple, Soulful Practice for Making Life Decisions by Emily P. Freeman.

Because of stay-at-home orders and the need to social distance many of us have worked remotely, lost jobs, or simply quit altogether.  We have struggled not only with downsizing our budgets and isolating ourselves from those we love but also with finding motivation to do mundane tasks we would typically delay because of busy schedules.  "Do the next right thing" has become a mantra for me and has helped take the sting out of job-hunting and waiting for an offer.

Doing the next right thing can be as simple as opening the door and walking outside to pluck a few weeds from your garden, or taking a break from TV to put on a load of laundry.  These may not be the things we want to do but when we actually begin to do them, suddenly we find ourselves doing the next right thing, and the next right thing....

It is easy to beat ourselves up over the things we don't accomplish, when in fact it is far better to list the things we have done in the course of a day.  Focusing on what we have done helps eliminate guilt over what we haven't done and gives us the motivation to stay the course.

Since COVID-19 is going to be with us awhile longer, cut yourself some slack.  As you navigate your "new normal," take baby steps and just do the next right thing!


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