When It Works, It Works!

I was really looking forward to this OBS.   I was also apprehensive because sometimes I have good intentions, but the time, people, and circumstances prevent me from attacking the study like I would want to.

And I have to admit, a couple of the more recent studies by Proverbs 31 just haven't appealed to me.

Why?

Too depressing.  Too much of the remedies for pain and suffering.  Too much of having to sink to the depths and agonize, then be lifted up.

Honestly, I was having a hard relating to losing a job, being rejected by my spouse, struggling with my finances, and severing friendships.  Even when I tried to find a connection, and the thought did occur to me that maybe the study was necessary to prepare me for troubles appearing in my life----who wants to read and study about gloom and doom for six weeks?  Not me.

Jennifer Rothschild was a speaker at Women of Joy in August 2018.  I really enjoyed her presentation, especially when she seemed to rise above the little struggles during that weekend.  Lost luggage.  A Target run after the plane landed so she would have clothes to wear for the conference.  THEN she told us she was blind...and had been since her teens.  I know she struggles, but she was really upbeat and positive and didn't dwell on the 'woe is me' aspect of her life.

At her book table, I spotted the Bible study focused on Psalm 23.  Now this is a Psalm I like, I mean how could you not?  Green pastures?  Still waters?  Restoring the soul?  Dwelling in the house of the Lord forever?  Overrunning cups?  Anointed heads?    This might be something I could get into.

I was then overjoyed when Proverbs 31 announced that their September/October study would focus on this very book---and that I had already purchased it! Meant to be, for sure, right?

It is sometimes a struggle for me to find the time to sit and focus on a study.  I like to view the videos and really dig into the reading.  This book is just what I enjoy also!  Why?  Because there is narrative along with scripture to locate, interpretations to make, and notes to jot down.  And you know what?  It is easier to find time to do these things when the enjoyment is there!

This is the end of Week 2.   I haven't been totally 'caught up' much during the study, but I am not woefully behind either.  Currently I am in the midst of Day 4 of Week 2---and it really IS Day 4 of Week 2!  Voila!  Just about there!

But the big thing for me is...This Study Works!  For me I can relate very well to being a sheep who is being led, protected, fed, sheltered by my Shepherd.

I can relate to the green pastures. All I have to do is look outside and see them in reality!  The still waters?  The creek that we drive over every time we leave or return to the property.

Restoring my soul?  Just sit on the deck in the evening, listening to the goats bleating and watching them frolic in the pen, jumping from one spool to the other.

It works for me.  I enjoy searching for scriptures.  I like reading Bible passages.  I can nod along with Jennifer during her narratives.  I look forward to seeing what she will share next.

And this week?  The focus was on parts of speech in verse 2 - right up my alley!  In fact she wrote at one point that she hoped the 'grammar nerds' were enjoying this week's technique of tearing apart the verse. I did!

When it works, it works.  And for me, it is working big time!