Do you ever end your day knowing that you did a million things, but you do not feel fulfilled or accomplished? I believe this is something we can all relate to in some way.
During this season of life, the Lord has been reminding me of the ways that I spend my time and days.
No matter what season of life you are in, there are different opportunities, challenges and commitments presented. Whether you are a new mom, a college student, or having a job or family adjustment, it can be hard to remember “the why” in the things you are doing.
When we get deeply involved in the things we do (which can be good things), we begin to look to our accomplishment of the thing we are doing to be our fulfillment rather than trusting Jesus to be our true fulfillment. Forgetting where our true fulfillment comes from, can result in forgetting our purpose and getting overwhelmed in the things we do.
When I think of someone seeking to find fulfillment through people or the things they do, I think of the passage of scripture in John 15:1-8:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
In this passage of scripture, we see that Jesus is our true fulfillment and that by knowing Him, He produces fruit within us.
How different would our days look if we remembered our true fulfillment and our true purpose, Jesus, in the things we did. Would we be more present? Would we love better? I know I would.
The Lord is continuing to teach me that He will produce fruit when I abide in Him. Finding fulfillment in the true vine, Jesus, is the most fulfilling way I could live my days.