Results Show ... The Thirty Day Experiment

Well folks, the Thirty Day Experiment has officially ended. (See post on August 11th to learn more).

What did I learn? Did I become more like Jesus, as was my goal?

This past month, I have learned some really interesting things, and not the things I expected to learn. God does love to throw me curve balls.

Lesson #1: I am not perfect. I need to stop trying to be such an overachiever and perfectionist.

I did not accomplish all of the objectives I set for myself with the experiment. Now, as an overachiever, that burns to my soul. I love to-do lists, to check things off the list, to do things better than asked of me. But I realized over the course of this experiment, plus while reading Velvet Elvis (TOTALLY recommend, by the way) that I will never 'check off' everything on this faith journey.

I try so hard...too hard. But you know what? It's not about me, about what I do. It's about what Jesus has done for me; the gift has already been given. I become more like Jesus because He works in me, not because I work to be like Him. True growth in Christ is about choosing to submit daily to God and His power working inside you, no checklist needed.

Lesson #2: Relationships are what is most important in life.

This is a little bit of a 'duh' lesson, and one I knew already. But this month, really watching how I spent my time and money, you start to realize how much of your life you can easily waste. At the end of the day, my possessions and addictions are meaningless. Addictions, by the way, come in so many forms.... Approval. Lust. Cute clothes. Chocolate. Bad relationships. The list goes on and on.

When my time on earth is over, what will matter? My relationships with my friends, family, and Savior are what is important, what will define my life. Through these relationships, I can change the lives of others (and myself in the process). I'm learning that relationships take work, but that it is so worth the investment. I think somehow, I've forgotten that God has wired all of us for relationships...this was a good wake up call.

Lesson #3: You can't force someone to be in a relationship with you.

This was painful for me. It's hard sometimes, sticking yourself out there and trying to rekindle and further develop relationships. And rejection (or at least lack of interest) really hurts. Period.

But here's another thought... how many times do we reject God? Even as believers, I know there are those areas of yourself we try to keep God away from. We reject letting Him abide in all parts of our soul and heart, even when He already knows what's in there. God is seeking us, pursuing our hearts, and we reject Him...do we hurt His feelings? He doesn't stop loving us or pursuing us...so amazing!

So, what's next? The Thirty Day Experiment is over, but my growth is not. I'm planning on continuing to develop new and old relationships, continue my spiritual growth, and seek new opportunities to serve. I'm willing to sit back, submit to God, and see where He leads me.

Let the adventure continue!