Understanding you're not alone

I’ve never been one who needed other people to agree with me or to be part of a large crowd. Because of that I’ve always been a deep thinker, often feeling that elusive spiritual connection with my Savior that others seem to miss but the older I get the more I realize the importance of relationship with others. In the 1998 movie “The Mask of Zorro” with Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins you learned there wasn’t just one person who was the hero but through generations this responsibility was handed down. In one scene you see Zorro teaching his protégé about the training rings. Starting and ending on the outer most ring tragically is where most people stay. It represents the many people he knew but had little influence with. As he advanced the rings got smaller but his influence increased and so it is with us, if you follow God’s calling. We know many people but the relationships where God seems to give us the most influence are few. For the parent God gives influence with the children, for the leader God gives influence with the constituents, with the married God gives influence with their spouse, with the skilled God gives influence with the those who have questions, and the list goes on. Always remember this, though you are given influence with certain relationships you are only a steward but God is the source! Therefore, you are not alone – God is with you! Your children don’t belong to you but to God. One of the most difficult things I’ve had to learn as a husband, father, and leader is that I am not in control and I’ve found when I am doing my best my will is aligned with His. However, when I try to take control that is when I feel the most secluded. If you listen carefully you’ll come to understand the more your will is aligned with His the more influence you’ll be given and thus the more He will supply your needs. He will never forsake you regardless of the amount of faith you walk in but know this He has a purpose for your life and He intends to grow you up spiritually so don’t be surprised when you feel like you are being stretched – that is your opportunity to trust Him more!