This summer I hosted a Bible study in my home on Nehemiah. If you aren't familiar with him, he was just a regular guy who realized something was not right in the state of Denmark.
Ok, wrong guy.
He heard that the wall around the city of Jerusalem was in shambles, which meant that God's city was an unprotected disgrace and laughingstock among other cities. Nehemiah felt called to bring glory and honor to God by rebuilding it.
During the course of the study, we were challenged to see what needs rebuilding in our lives. As I considered the many good activities and ministries I am involved in, God made it painfully clear to me that the rebuilding I was to focus on was in my own family.
Nehemiah needed to clear away debris and rubble to begin construction on the wall; I needed to take a close look at my commitments and clear some "rubble," too. As I did so, I realized that I had busied myself with things that felt more urgent, more important, than the nurturing of my own family. As long as there was no crisis to divert my attention, I was content to leave my family simmering on the back burner while I focused elsewhere. This is not what God has called me to do as a wife and mom.
Decisions had to be made, some that cost money and others that cost pride, but it was all part of clearing the rubble. I never did do the triathlon, because adding eight to ten workouts to a week just didn't feel right.
Truthfully, I can tell you that this "Nehemiah Summer", the summer I built into my family, was one of the most precious. As the school year gets underway, it is my desire to stay focused and engaged with my family, not just as a means to placate them so I can continue to do what I want, but as a means to strengthen the walls around our little city right here.
What is God calling you to rebuild in your own life? Is there rubble that needs to be cleared first? Perhaps forgiveness that needs to be offered or accepted? Priorities examined? A deeper evaluation of your relationship with God?
Challenge yourself to reconsider what roles "important" and "busy" play in your life. You may find that you define success in a whole new way.
