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Back to My Roots

Happy New Year!  The past couple years, I've been especially drawn to my heritage and the values surrounding it.  Family dinners, hospitality, having a generous heart, seeking to be a peacemaker, having a passionate love for God and people....all these are rooted in my Amish Mennonite heritage.

For my husband and I, each New Year brings renewed vision, updated goals and a more clear view of the big picture.  This year includes a closer look at my contribution to society in the way of inspiring recipes, creative thoughts and not settling for good when Best is waiting.  It's easy to get caught in the doing of many good things and we wonder why we don't feel fulfilled?  Perhaps we need to look at that "Best" that is laying deep within us.  The Best is sometimes uncomfortable and will require tapping into the presence and power of a God bigger than us.  Good is always the enemy of Best.

So, what is that thing laying inside you, waiting to be opened or picked back up?  Perhaps it's something that few people have seen, but is a burning passion that has been kept hidden.  Sometimes, we need to say no to good before the Best has a chance to emerge.  In my own life, I've gotten caught many times doing many good things only to realize (slowly usually!) I've drifted from the things that I hold dearest to my heart.  You see, the good keeps us occupied and makes us feel like we're doing something positive.  Maybe it keeps us captive?

Recently, I found myself in this predicament.  Doing many good things, but feeling absolutely no fulfillment, no joy and honestly...feeling grouchy most of the time.  I simply had to step away, get a view from the top of the mountain and revisit the things deep within my heart and soul that never go away.  You know, those things that bring you joy and satisfy your soul.  The one who created us knows us well and has put part of who he is in each of us.  He created us in His image, after all.  Love who he made you to be!
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