As a facilitator, I have the privilege of not only sharing the thoughts and concepts, but also sharing how they touch me. The most frequently asked question has been, "How does your life look now that you know this?" I think it's a great question and since I suggest others take these classes, I thought I would share my answer and an example on my blog.
Honestly, my life looks very similar. To most people, nothing has significantly changed. I do not have a longer prayer time or extra devotionals. I didn't assemble a prayer corner nor do I make extra trips to church. My schedule isn't dictated by this material...my mind is renewed by the truths moment by moment.
For example: I have an important meeting scheduled for today. The meeting itself isn't important to this story, but suffice it to say many hours and emotions have gone into this and I am anxious, excited and very nervous to be done. This day and time have been set for a couple weeks now, as anticipation has grown. Yesterday, the snow storm (which was originally forecasted for Thurs) was bumped back to Wed (today) and the expected snow totals were tripled. We may have to postpone the appointment. Here is what happened inside my head as this was becoming reality yesterday.
"Are you kidding me! Seriously God, tomorrow? After all this work, all this planning, all these nervous moments...are you freaking kidding me? I don't think I can do this! I can't put this off any longer. I need this done and off my list...now! Just, really, you've got to be kidding, right?!?
(exhale) I know, I know...not my timing, not my plan, not my will, this is most definitely NOT about me. Your timing is perfect, Your plan and will for me are better than I could ever do on my own. This is about You. (sigh) So whatever happens, happens. This is out of my control, I have done what You've asked of me and there is nothing left for me to do but wait on You to show me the next step. (breathe) Please pour out some extra peace and strength, we're gonna need it."
Notice the emphasis on me? I tend to do that, I like to make things about me. I've got it in my head that somehow I'm responsible for everything and that if something doesn't work right, it's my fault. I tend to put myself down and let things (like the weather) dictate how I feel and what I think of myself, and therefore what I think others think of me. But when I stop my rant and acknowledge truth, the focus is moved off of me and back on God where it belongs. Am I anxious today? Sure, I am still human and emotions are an important part of being human. But I am not stressing over the weather or beating myself up for...well, whatever I come up with this time.
My mind is ok with whatever the outcome is, because I am waiting for the door to either close or re-open. I'm not forcing it one way or the other and I'm not fretting about what isn't in my control. To the rest of the world, nothing has changed, I look just the same and am doing my regular work today (laundry and paperwork). But inside, my mind has been renewed, again,with assurance that God is in control and He is not leaving me "hangin'," He's just busy working and will let me know when it's time to act again.
I don't have extra prayer times because I am talking through each situation/thought/emotion with Him. I don't go to extra church services, because He is here where I am. While these are good things, they are not what makes this truth work for me. Christ is in me working through me, always. God is in control and my life is about Him, not me. The peace I experience in the midst of chaos is the evidence for me that these truths are taking root. And when I succeed at putting myself aside (or "crucifying" the self in me) and rest in Him, I am glorifying Him. When others see the peace and lack of fear or worry, that is when my life begins to look different to the world.
The Ultimate Journey is based out of Des Moines, IA. While this material is bible based and certainly "Christian," I do feel that anyone would benefit and find at least a few pieces they can relate to and utilize.
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