by Alizabeth Rasmussen
A little over halfway through 2011, and I've been reflecting on the Success Covenant I made at the beginning of the year. It's true that some amazing things have happened and yet—of course—it's the things that haven't yet happened that stand out and get the most attention. I've done a pretty good (not perfect) job of keeping up my end of the bargain--doing all the things I committed to in order to stay on track and make God's job easier. Lately, though, I've had a hard time connecting at all. The things I'm doing that should make me feel closer to God instead feel empty and meaningless. I don't mind being disciplined about things, and I have been. But the last thing I want my relationship with God to be is a "to-do" list. Pray. Tithe. Act as if. Check, check, check. Yawn.
What's missing? I've been asking and today (thanks to Michele) I got an answer (notice I did not say "the" answer). Commitment. Every successful relationship requires it and I have no doubt about God's commitment to me...but what about my commitment to Him? Yes, I've been "doing all the right things" but I'm realizing that there is a big difference between "discipline" and "commitment." Commitment holds the big picture. Discipline is disconnected details. Commitment is intention and passion in action, flexible enough to respond to changing needs and desires, open to intuition and available to hear when God whispers. Discipline is hard, unwavering, regimented and unfeeling. Commitment feeds on itself and gives back everything you put into it...and more. Discipline can get you through the day, but will just ask for more of the same the next day. So is discipline necessary? Absolutely. I especially love Michele's definition: “Being a disciple unto oneself." I've realized it's possible to have discipline without commitment, but I don't think the opposite is true. It's a package deal—discipline is wrapped up inside commitment in a way that makes it meaningful. Commitment is an on-going decision that it seems I've forgotten to make for awhile. It only makes sense that it would fall away over time, leaving in its wake the "go through the motions" remnants that discipline can be when not connected to something bigger than itself.
The commitment was there at the beginning of the year and has been off and on since then. It's time to find it again. Time to start over. Again.
Care to join me? Now is the perfect time to create or re-create your Success Covenant. Listen here to learn how: http://www.michelemorgan.org/radio/mm_radio%20shows/michelemorgan010311.mp3
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thanks for the reminder about commitment - so true. your timing of course, is right on. esp considering the eclipses of this month, shaking things up a bit. I find myself waking up, looking around, re-determining if I'm on the road I want to be on... :)
ReplyDeleteAmy T.
Liz! In reading your brilliant post (yet again!) it occurs to me that I am FABULOUS at discipline, until I lose sight of the intention (or it changes accordingly, as the experience unfolds) and the passion winds down. That's when I do the 180 and become righteously rebellious. :-) Such an awesome reminder that intention and passion are the key to staying committed to something, and those elements have to be continuously invited, hosted, and nurtured... just like any relationship. Hmmm... :-) Thank you for articulating this awareness so perfectly.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read your post Liz, and the comments, I remember I recently read a finding a little similar I think, and the word used was Devotion as being the key to connect. And that today this is a rare quality. It's not very modern, to stay devoted, easier to move on and keep looking?
ReplyDeleteI'm downloading how to create the SuccessCovenant.
Thanks for sharing Liz and Michele!