Last weekend we, a somewhat random group, went to Hourglass Lake. Hourglass Lake is actually two different lakes and they’re not the one (singular) you see in the shot. That’s Lower Hourglass Lake and this shot was taken near Upper Hourglass Lake. It’s named Hourglass because the top lake flows into the bottom via a waterfall. It also seems like it could be called Hourglass because Lower Hourglass Lake looks like an hourglass. I know, sort of confusing 😛
I sometimes hear things like, “You should do this, and then we’ll really see how good you are!†And I’m like, “Ummmmmmm?†I think at this point it’s time that I introduce myself. My name is Brandon Peters and I have issues. I’m full of jealousy, quick to anger, lustful, prideful, greedy, and lack self-control. And that list is not exhaustive, those are just some of the bigger issues. I never claimed to be good, in fact I’m well aware of just how horrible of a person I am.
However, when I wake up and decide to not follow my own desires, things are a little different. When I pray each morning that I will choose to walk in the Spirit, not in my flesh, I am a totally different person. I actually give a rip about people, I am empowered to really make the world a better place, and I can achieve the impossible. It’s not about trying to love, it’s that I’m overflowing with love.
I can only do this because I’ve decided to follow Christ with everything I am. Because of that, I have received the Holy Spirit and I can choose to walk in His ways. I have decided to stop pursuing the things that never satisfied me. People are always talking about how you have to give things up, and follow rules. That’s not what it’s about. I don’t want to do those things anymore, I know they are not good for me. I’ve seen where I end up when I follow them.
So we go back to the beginning: Hi, my name is Brandon Peters. I’m naturally a horrible person. But I’ve decided to pursue something more. So if I seem a little different to you, that’s why 🙂
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
2 thoughts on “Elements”
A beautiful summery Brandon – yes, our life is not our own, we belong to Jesus and fight against the fleshly desires – some days better than others, but we still kick against it 🙂
I love all your upbuilding articles Brandon. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.