Temporary Home

Just a few nights ago I caught the re-run of the Academy of Country Music Awards. I am a huge Carrie Underwood fan so of course I wanted to see her performance. She sang a song off her latest album that some how I hadn't heard before called "Temporary Home". I was inspired and motivated after hearing it. What a great reminder to not get trapped in the here and now and all the temporal things that face us everyday, but to live our lives for a greater purpose. So many times in my own life I have found myself being too concerned with little things like having (or at least attempting to have) my house neat and picked up and wanting it all decorated... or wanting to update my wardrobe with the latest trends. I have also let fear get in the way when speaking to people whether I know them or not because I am afraid that my words won't come out eloquently enough. The Lord showed me that things like this are selfish and only focus on myself. I have worried too much what other people's opinions are of me. I am again challenged to live an outward life that shows the love of God and acceptance of Jesus to everyone, without seclusion or pre-requisition. At the end of the day what really matters is that I have learned a little more of God's heart and hopefully with that same heart and attitude I have loved my family and those I encounter on a daily basis. It doesn't matter that I don't have a picture on every empty wall in my house or the newest cutest shoes in my closet.. or even if I stumble over my words and say "um" a million times when I speak. What matters more than appearing like I always have it together, is being transparent in the fact that I DON'T actually "have it together" all the time. In one of Beth Moore's bible studies she writes..

"The revelation of a person's destiny always demands a revelation of the person."

.. and ...

"One of the most important parts of fulfilling our destiny will be transparency".

Isn't it our destiny to show others Jesus and advance His kingdom?! He has created each of us with specific gifts and a uniqueness that He wants to use, so that He can advance His kingdom through us. Lord, show us who we are in You and give us the boldness to be transparent!

I think this song gives a message of hope as well. Despite what season of life you may be in or what you may be facing, it is encouraging to know that this is "just a stop, on the way to where we are going" as the song says.. "these are just windows and rooms that we are passing through". There are better days ahead! I pray that we don't get distracted with the temporary things along the way but that we keep our eyes focused on the Lord and what He is calling us to do each day. Then, I think we'll find ourselves right where He wants us.

here is the video clip of Carrie's song: