Thursday, March 15, 2007

Another Look...

I was reading through my 2006 journal a few nights ago and took some time to reflect on how far I have come, by the grace of God, in this past year. It is amazing to me how different a life and situation can change with the Lord, 525,600 minutes and a little bit of patience.

I am going to compare one day last year to one day this year to share the differences.

To set the stage I was working a security job out in New Orleans in the areas destroyed by hurricane Katrina. I was working 12 hour days 7 days a week. I had a good salary and was making lots of money, but still working more than should be allowed.

My journal entry March 15th, 2006 reads;
"Working Roadway today, haven't been here since Lemon was sick back in mid January. Of all the truck yards I like this one the least. I don't really know why because it's the easiest one, maybe that's why I don't like it: the lack of challenge!
I like a challenge, I need the stimulation. I do have challenge in my life, just none in my work. It seems that work is all I do so I don't have much of a life, so the challenge I have is small. I need more balance! It's like faith and works you need to have a balance in both to be able to make forward progress, otherwise you're just going in circles.
Going in circles, going in circles like a merry-go-round. When I was a kid of all the thing at the playground I hated the merry-go-round, constant movement and spent energy only to be made sick. Dizzy and nauseous, when getting off you can't stand up straight, you have no concept of direction and I can't stand that feeling.
So what do I feel like right now? Like Enoch; "Stop the World I want to get off!!"
I will hang on! My determination and resolve to find my footing each and every time I stepped off that merry-go-round has only gotten stronger over the years! The good news? I always found my footing, so why wouldn't I now."


One year later, I am living in Mexico in an FD home, receive no monetary payment for my work and am on call 24/7.

My journal entry March 15th 2007 reads.
"Wow so much has changed! I have direction in my life and my work. I have challenge in my life equally balanced. Thank you Lord for that. You have been my rock, my anchor , my light! I am not living alone, I work side by side with people who have the same goal as I, to do our part each day to change this world around us, just one life at a time. I am loved, I am not alone. I am broken and yielded to the Lord's will in my life! I have been refreshed and renewed.
What do I feel like now? 'Bring it on!' Do your worst, for I will be here always to go on and do my best! I cannot be stopped, cuz' as I grow weak He grows strong. And I am going to live for ever!"

6 comments:

Nyx Martinez said...

Awesome post! Thanks for sharing this insight. So inspiring!

Rosita said...

Well I think I liked "The Difference 525,600 Minutes Can Make... but I'm so glad you gained another look into life.
Certainly this Family wouldn't be the same without you. We need each one and I'm sure the Lord has used you in great ways and will continue to.
It's amazing the difference the Word and living for Jesus can make in someone's life. It inspires me to keep going and sharing His love and light.
Thanks for sharing that insight and comparison into how it's changed you, Gabe. I appreciate it and love you!

Victoria said...

Thanks for sharing that gabe..it was really inspiring. lots of love

Ali said...

Thank the Lord for positive change and thanks for sharing that.
GBY for having the faith and perseverance to see it through. It's a rare thing; a man that doesn't loose the vision and faith in the midst of a trying time like that but rises above and is better for it in the end.
TTL things we go through don't last forever!! Tip my hat to that rare man.

Ruth Cortejos said...

Good stuff!!

CurlyCel said...

That's inspiring, Gabe. - So glad you're back.
I don't have a log, but I guess in my case I do find it interesting to look over past prophecies, see what the Lord showed me last year or two years ago (or 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 - Ha), and I agree, its encouraging to see what the Lord was zeroing in on in my life then, compared to now. - The trials, lessons learnt, victories gained, etc..
All that to say, TTL it came to pass and that you're an overcomer. GBY! :)