Goggles

I had to get glasses.

I have a very small prescription, so I don’t “need” them. I was having some complications with using the computer and reading for long periods of time. My eyes were straining to do those things. So, I am now officially a part of the “4 eyes” family— which is kind of funny. You can ask any of my friends who have glasses about the fact that I have, at some point, called them “Goggles.”

And now, I’m one of them.

Because I’ve been waiting on my glasses to get here, I’ve been kind of staying off of the computer. I’ve been doing only really what I could stand, as in, what didn’t give me severe headaches and eye problems. Using the computer was getting harder and harder. A lot of that was probably psychological, but nonetheless, my body was paying for it, so I stayed off for a couple weeks. Here I am, back in action. This hiatus really got me thinking about a lot of things. Instead of spending my free time browsing the internet (mostly Twitter) and writing blogs and stuff, I listened more. I listened to a lot of podcasts, music, people, sounds of stuff around me, etc. If you know me, you know that I can’t stand to be doing “nothing.” I have to always be engaged. So, keeping myself from the computer forced me to find other ways to entertain myself. I did a lot of introspection. Let me share with you just a few things I have found about myself in light of my hiatus that perhaps could encourage you.

Growing spiritually with Christ isn’t limited to reading the Bible and praying. I listened to a lot of podcasts and sermons on things these last couple of weeks. I recommend it for a lot of reasons. For one, it’s always good to have another perspective on the Bible. The main reason I have always loved Church is because that’s at least once a week that I don’t have to read something and figure it out myself. Watching sermons, listening to podcasts, listening to Christian music, etc. can all fuel your faith. Secondly, I recommend it because it will change your perspective on a lot of things you believe. Thirdly, it will make you a better listener. It made me a better listener. Since it’s a human voice in my headphones, part of me wants to subconsciously almost, like, talk back or respond. But I can’t. I have to listen and wait. It’s a awesome thing to get into. I highly recommend.

Don’t forget to look around. Nature has been looking pretty sweet lately. The weather, despite a couple of rainy days, has been absolutely beautiful. The leaves are starting to change. I saw two squirrels throw acorns at one another. Nature is amazing. I’ve also looked around and noticed more people. I’ve noticed more people sitting alone, so I sat with them. I noticed more long faces, so I smiled at them more. I noticed more confusing looks, so I answered more questions. I noticed more professional attire, so I didn’t dress like a total bum all week. Just this morning, Sydney Kate (my adorable little sidekick) and I were going to the legendary Waffle House before church, and I just marveled at how much I love my hometown. More on that later. Don’t forget to look around— you’ll miss out on blessings… and squirrels. 

Stop making excuses. I’m a self-assessed complainer. I can be very negative very easily. I have gotten a little better, but not by much. Forcing to spend time in thought, with people, in the Word, on campus, etc. really refreshed the idea that there are really about 2 things to complain about and make an excuse for. The rest is purely up to me. In my life, I claim Christ as the ultimate Caller of My Shots. So, it stands to reason that I need to get on the ball. I need to get the Gospel out. I need to start being totally upfront about my convictions. I need to own up to my sins and recognize their pull on my life. I didn’t have the internet and my computer to help me justify not doing what’s asked of me. I felt uncomfortable having free time and not using it productively. “… To whom much is given, much is required.”

In short, a few takeaways….

Understand that Christ is in a lot of things and a lot of people’s hearts. Give those things a chance. They are total game changers.

Don’t forget to look around. The world is a beautiful place, full of beautiful people, with beautiful souls— souls that need salvation.

Don’t make an excuse for not doing what’s asked of you, as a believer. No excuse is good enough. Know Christ. Share Christ. Period.

To those of you that I have called “Goggles,” I salute you. This isn’t a lifestyle for the weak.

To those of you that call yourselves Christians, I implore you to share what you know, and search for what you don’t.

To those of you that are reading this: big announcement. Starting this week, the blog will be expanding to include a podcast called Caffeinated Christianity. This podcast will tackle some mainstream topics on faith and culture and mostly my non ordained, ridiculous opinion. Look out for the tab coming soon at the top of this page. Or don’t. It’s your choice, I guess.

Remember, at the foot of the Cross, the ground is level.

And that’s awesome.

–@CShort_116