Do It All for the Glory of God
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.
Saint Augustine
The old me was focused on goals and achievements. I worked hard to get perfect grades and attain athletic success. After graduating from an Ivy League college, the business world took my drive to new levels as I poured my tireless work ethic into our start-up Internet company.
All of that changed when my wife died nine years ago. Suddenly, I was a single dad with a 2-year-old daughter and a 3-month-old son. My illusion of self-sufficiency had vanished. For the first time, I recognized the God-sized hole in my heart. It is doubtful I would have grasped that without such suffering.
This journey with God has been the most exhilarating time of my life. I went to church but knew that wasn’t going to be enough. I started reading devotions from “Jesus Calling” every morning. I worked out daily, alternating between running and lifting. I meditated and journaled. I read and read some more - a combination of books about spirituality and business/leadership.
As the old version of myself died away, I felt uneasy, like I was taking my foot off the pedal. I didn’t like the idea of relying on God. It felt like I was cheating somehow.
But, as I searched for the good and beautiful of life, I became even more centered on God and Jesus. I watched “The Chosen” and discovered the writings of C.S. Lewis through Hillsdale College’s free online courses. I listened to Tim Keller’s incredible “Questioning Christianity” talks. I bought a “Bible in One Year” book and read the New Testament and Proverbs daily.
More than anything, I am finally reaching out to God and Jesus throughout my day. I pray before calls and during problems at work or home. It helps.
Once I let go of my ego, I felt so free when I gave up my goals and replaced them with good habits. Rather than willing my way through life, I now ask for and listen to God’s guidance and adjust as needed. I still make mistakes all of the time, but I am headed in the right direction.
God, thank you for opening up my heart to your ways. Thank you for blessing me with two amazing kids and allowing me to share in their lives as we live to glorify your name.
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