Where You Are

Recently I received an email from a friend titled "How to work in any environment." It was credited to T.D. Jakes. He lists several things to consider about your work environment, but one in particular spoke to me today. If you've not received the email, let me know and I can send it to you in its entirety. It is definitely worth reading and taking to heart. Just remember: "Where you are does not define where you are going (Jakes)." (written 18 Oct 07)

"Where you are does not define where you are going." T. D. Jakes is a powerful writer. Those ten words jumped off the page at me the first time I read them. Every time I go back and reread the email, they jump out at me again. At this point in my life, I feel they are words that I need to engrave on my brain. Where am I right now? Struggling. There are many factors pulling at me, and I am learning to prioritize and structure them.

When I pictured my life as a young girl, did I see myself where I am now? The honest answer to that question would have to be a two-part one. In some ways, I did. Others, I did not. I imagined that I would have children, and I do. I did not, however, see myself as a college student (for the second time) at age 43, struggling to make ends meet. Looking at it from that perspective, however, I must remember the wise words above. Where I am now does NOT define where I am going!!!

Jesus promises us in John 14:2-4: "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." I do know the way! Jesus is the only way. We must believe in Him and receive Him, for that is our way to heaven. The ONLY way. I may be in a place I'd rather not be right now, but with Jesus, all things are possible. This life is temporary!

Jesus, thank you for loving me and for preparing a place for me with you. When I get upset about where I am now, I just need to remember where I am going ... home to be with my savior. Use me to do your will and let my time here be a reflection of my love for you. I may not always like where I am, but I love where I am going! Thank you, Jesus, for giving me a home with you in heaven!

"So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."~John 16:22 NIV