One of the most popular Christmas movies of all time is, “It’s a Wonderful Life” starring Jimmy Stewart. Peering into the life of the central character, George Bailey, we find a lesson for all of us. His youth is filled with dreams and possibilities. There are no limits to what he might do given the opportunity. He’s got his goals set, his mind made up, he’s ready to “blow this small town,” but the untimely death of this father changes everything.

Unfortunately, those changes in life are not fiction. They are all too real and you can find “George Baileys” everywhere. They are the responsible ones who do the right thing. They prepare, they dare to dream, but somewhere along the way life makes a sharp left turn. They are called on to care for a parent. Young boys step up to be the “man of the house” when a father leaves home. They go to work young, and perhaps never quit working.

Sometimes the circumstances eat away at our spirit. We feel cheated and in moments of pity and weakness we think life would have been better off without us. George Bailey got to see what life would have been without him, and the results were nothing like he imagined. Everything in life changed because he was not there to make a difference.

You not only can make a difference in life…you are here and already making a difference. You don’t have to do something big to be counted. That’s the fallacy of our media driven society. We’re bent on following a celebrity’s every move and making Hollywood lives something to care about. Our lives seem mundane in comparison to lifestyles of the rich and famous, and in truth maybe they are. Oswald Chambers once commented, “The monumental things in life are born out of the mundane.”

“…let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9 NKJV)

There can be weariness in life, even for a believer. It’s just natural. It’s not always easy doing the right thing; setting godly boundaries with your children, walking away from coarse jokes at work, dressing modestly and not for attention. In a world where anything goes, it’s not cool to be considered “odd man out.”

Press on today, sow the seed of righteousness; do good and don’t get weary. If you are weary, get in His presence. His presence refreshes even the most worn out of souls. You may not see the results from where you are today, but, God, the Alpha and Omega, who sees the beginning from the end, knows the treasure you will discover along the way.

There will be that day in your life – and perhaps you’ve seen it already and can testify, like David, who wrote, “Those who put their trust in him, they cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.” (Psalm 22:4)

Today’s thought: The seeds you are sowing today will come up tomorrow. Do you like what you will see? Stay the course. The monumental moments of our lives are birthed, grown and released by the steadiness and discipline of the mundane. The discipline of the mundane releases the monumental.

Today’s prayer: “God I am weary, tired and just worn out. Give me energy, strength and passion today. Let me live my life with my intention on today and my eye on tomorrow. Let me encourage someone today with Your life and Your love.”

What is God saying to you right now? Write it down.

Marc Owings & David Terry

Written by: Marc Owings on August 16th, 2010
Posted in Running the race | 3 Comments » You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.