What I Learned in October

What I learned in October is a monthly link-up with Emily P. Freeman and it is my absolute favorite.  I have loved taking the time throughout the month to focus on and record what I’m learning.  I”m so guilty of rushing through life and not slowing down to pay attention to things like this, and it’s such a joy to make myself focus on the things I’ve learned.

1. When I live my life in constant hustle-mode, I miss my life.  It seems like “hustle” is the buzz word lately.  Everyone is trying to get out of the rat race and slow down, but the truth is that slowing down is really hard to do.  And I failed completely at slowing down my life this month.  October has kicked my booty.  Somewhere amidst basketball practices and gymnastics and hospital visits and church services and work, I missed October.  Here’s to grace and to trying, yet again, to slow down and savor each day.
2. I was made for a purpose. I cannot do anything I want to do, but I can do what I was made to do.  At 30, I’m just now beginning to realize this and to narrow down my focus to find the things I enjoy doing and the things I’m really good at.
3. “One of the reasons we do not hear the Holy Spirit today is we because we do not get still.”  I happened upon this inspirational nugget on Twitter from Esther Burroughs, via Sarah Mae.  I have struggled with this concept for a while now.  I shared this post about how the hustle of life interferes with our relationship with Christ.  I have witnessed how my quiet time has been negatively impacted since summer ended and school began.  We can’t hear from God when we are running in the rat race.
4. Being the “bigger person” really does make you feel better.  My mom used to tell me this growing up and being the quick-tempered girl that I am, I thought she was crazy.  (Then again, I was a teenager and don’t all teenagers think their parents are crazy??)  I’ve recently had several occasions to bite my tongue and control my temper and I really do feel better.  Proud of myself.  No regrets.  It’s nice.

What have you learned recently?