A Worthwhile Challenge

A recent 3-part challenge from my pastor has been the cause of much introspection. The challenge: Identify for what I am grateful, specifically in 2014. Identify what I have learned in 2014. Identify to what I will commit in 2015.
For the first part, I intuitively looked beyond activities or things like a “fun family getaway,” an “exceptional bike ride,” or a “cool, new device.” There was no shortage of each that was indeed gratifying, but I was compelled to dig deeper. To put it another way, an activity or thing with a value that can be influenced did not make the list. My list is short, 3 points in fact.

• The departure of close friendships is not a fatal blow 
• Micah is making great progress 
• My frustrations with my company do not define me 

This list is specific to 2014 and reflects the lion’s share of my prayers during 2014. Tracey being a Godly wife and mother, my job providing sufficient income as well as other points of gratitude are not bound by 2014.
What have I learned in 2014 is humbling to admit. The following statement is tough, knowing my testimony means a great deal for certain people. I don’t know the Lord and how to live with Him nearly as much as I thought I did.
What I learned about God:

• His presence and involvement is unwavering 
• His grace is so much greater in scope – it is infinite in a manner I don’t understand 

What I learned about Myself:

• I place my faith in works, mine and others, rather than God 
• I can’t force an outcome 
• I unnecessarily exhaust myself 

To what will I commit in 2015?

• I commit to a deeper dependence on God 
• I commit to humility and honesty in my relationships demonstrating my awe and love for God  
• I commit to successfully taking the GMAT exam 

The last commitment may seem out of synch with the first two, so let me provide context. I recently completed an online course on marketing via Coursera. A key point from the course is the following: In order to have an idea of value that can be profitable, first, ask the question “What is wrong with the status quo?” My answer to this question time and time again–the world is lost. The solution to that problem is Jesus Christ. (Hang with me to see where this is going.) I have a talent for listening and deciphering. This is most notable in areas of which I have deep understanding. I also have a talent for teaching. To put it another way, I have a passion for sharing what I have discovered to be true. I have a burden to teach at the university level with the end goal of presenting Jesus Christ. Therefore, I must successfully take the GMAT exam as the first step to obtain a master’s degree, required at that level.