The Crucible

"Crucible:  

A place or set of circumstances

where people or things

are subjected to forces that test them

and often make them change."

Encarta World English Dictionary (North American Edition)

This is where I have been these past weeks.

In the Crucible.

I can't say it has been enjoyable by any stretch

but it has been oh soooooo good for my soul.

I have come to realize that I often take up residence in the Crucible.

I allow myself to get into circumstances

namely caregiving

which tests me severely

and leads me into unhealthy living.

But I never change.

I continue to repeat the same scenario.

This time is different.

Thankfully.

I have been walking a path of soulful examination--

discovering more of why I do what I do

how I get "caught" in this trap

of over extending my limits

and what is the way to

a healthier way of living.

Ruth Haley Barton in her book

"Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership"

says this:

"...it is important for us to embrace spiritual transformation

as a process that is full of mystery...

God is the one who initiates and guides the process

and brings it to fruition.

The soul-full leader is appropriately humbled

by this realization and also relieved to not have to bear

the heavy weight of responsibility for changing herself or others.

The soul-full leader is faithful to the one thing he can do--

create the conditions that set us up for an encounter with God

in the places where we need it most."

I am encountering God in the places where I need Him most

It's a freeing place to be