What Am I Doing?

I want to discuss my goals with you, or my lack thereof. I am not in pursuit of happiness, even though our Constitution tells me that I have the right to be. As I was preparing to write this blog here today, I searched for a download of an old Joni Eareckson Tada song called "Spirit Wings", which is the title track off of an LP I used to have. The album begins with Ms. Tada introducing this recording by sharing one of her insights, and this is what she says "I learned some time ago that God's purpose in drawing us to himself is not necessarily to make our lives happy or healthy, or even free from trouble. God's purpose in drawing us to Himself is to make us more like Jesus". Well there you have it friends! I have learned the hard way, I have learned in spite of much resistance. I have a degree from the school of hard knocks, where I have learned that God really does not want me to struggle and fight with people because I am so very determined to be a success. God is arm wrestling the devil for me! All I need to do is remain in a posture of love and worship toward Jesus!
I am content to be a loser in the world's eyes. Many many years ago, when my family first moved to this country (we came from Israel), there was a period of time when I was getting picked on in school. I told my mother, and she told me, if the kids called me names, I should respond by saying "If you think so, that's your privilege". Well, that was a little too intelligent for the average 3rd grader, but I knew exactly what she meant. And although it didn't help my relationship with those kids, I adopted my mother's logic, and it seems that I have held it close to my heart throughout my life. Another good way of saying the same thing, and relating it again to the United States Constitution is: "I do not agree with what you are saying, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" a quote penned by Voltaire, and one of my favorites.
Petra: Not Of This World