Guiding verse for this series on the Fruit of the Spirit is Galatians 5:22-23 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (NLT) This is the guiding vers for our Fruit of the Spirit series. 

I gave up so much of my life to work, make more money, and gain recognition for getting things done that I never noticed what I was missing. I read this today on Judy Dibble’s blog,  “As I entered the work world, I wanted money. Money meant survival, comfort, and safety.” Is that why I put work first for so long?

I didn’t know it until I entered high school, but that’s when I realized we were poor. When I first became a mom, I had to go on government assistance. It was years later, when I got a good job in a factory, that I went all out to get ahead.

I can’t bet back what was lost. That time with my family that I’ll never get back. Oh, I was at every event, but not really if you know what I mean. Now I want to spend time with my children, but they are busy with theirs and that’s okay.

My life and identity were in my job. I set up the idol of achievement in my work and praised it until God tore it down. THANK YOU, LORD! That was a long ugly cry and another story for another time.

Now, I seek first the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33) and count on Him to redeem the time. You see, I thought it was time wasted but during those 20 years, God generously provided education and experiences that I can use to serve Him and my family well today.

I learned research and writing skills I’m using here.

I learned communication skills that I use to facilitate bible studies at church.

I learned to never stop learning and I’m now attending a professional development series with my two adult daughters (this is so cool).

I’m learning to appreciate the time, experiences, and outcomes God is providing.

I’m learning to be joyful in this new chapter of keeping God first. I’m finding joy in family, quiet, writing and forging new friendships.

Make God first and see what He does (Ps 37:4).

Go to the Table of Contents to read more posts in this series as they go live.

It’s October so this must be time for 31 Days of Five Minute Friday Free-Writes. The event is hosted by Kate Motaung over at Five Minute Fridays. We write daily for five minutes, or maybe a bit longer. The point is to write. Kate provides writers with a one-word writing prompt each day. Today the prompt is FIRST.