Finding balance

An athlete. A musician. A baker. What we love tends to define us. Or where we live. Or what we wear. But what if we could be defined by none of those? I live on a farm, but that doesn't mean I'm 100% farmgirl and will always be that way. I love music, but that doesn't mean it's the center point of my life. What if, as Christians, the only identity that could be pinned on us was Christ? What if no one could say "Soccer is her life", or "He has a consuming passion for art". What if they could only say "That person is wholly and completely devoted to their God, inside and out!" Ian Thomas once said "The Christian life can be explained only in terms of Jesus Christ, and if your life as a Christian can still be explained in terms of you - your personality, your willpower, your gift, your talent, your money, your courage, your scholarship, your dedication, your sacrifice, or your anything- then although you may have the Christian life, you are not yet living it." Does that mean God wants us to simply ignore all the gifts He's given? That I should no longer help on our farm, or play music, or write? No! He simply asks that our talents, our passions, our gifts be used for His honor. I know that these days it's almost criminalized, thinking for yourself. But God made us creative people. How can your gifts be used for His glory? Can you cook really well? Why not volunteer at a soup kitchen (but don't forget to witness to those you serve. Feeding the flesh is useless if they don't have the Bread of Life) Do you love music? Could you volunteer to teach local foster kids? Be creative! My goal is to start a children's home for needy orphans, somewhere. I know that I can't go today, as much as I want to. Once God gives you a burden, it is just that. A burden. Heavy. Passionate as I am about serving orphans, I know that I can't fly to Africa or India right now. And that hurts. But I know that there is a purpose in what God has me doing here and now. I need to know that there is balance- between what I long to do, and how God is preparing me for that right now. What would happen if I simply went with no preparation? Who knows! But that doesn't mean I just ignore my calling and wait until God says "go!". Do what you can , where you are, and let Him define your life. Not a religion, not a sport, not a style, not an art, but HIM! Remember, He is the Rock. Find your balance in Him, and nothing can throw you off.