"Stop Striving...Just Live"

by Daneen Leidig

Every Christian has a God Story; the story about how you came to realize the importance of God in your life.  I often struggle to tell my story.  It just seems very plain and ordinary.  There was no monumental event which occurred in my life that brought me to Christ.  No strike of lightening that hit me.  I've also had a hard time pin-pointing where my story begins.  I wasn't addicted to drugs when I found the Lord.  I wasn't involved in an abusive relationship.  I didn't deal with the divorce of my parents.  I was just an ordinary person.  So I felt my story was insignificant.  I've come to realize that God doesn't create ordinary stories.  Every person's story is his story and therefore, it's a majestic story to be shared.  

I grew up in the Lutheran church where I was confirmed and experienced all the other religious "acts."  I learned Bible stories, yet I had no idea how the story of Daniel in the lions' den related to my life.  If asked, I would say I was a Christian.  That was my religion.  I didn't have a need to attend church because I already knew what I believed, and didn't feel I needed someone to remind me of that (or remind me of my sins) on a weekly basis. I strayed away from church, yet prayed to God when I needed something. I was still a good person, but I was not living a life which mirrors Jesus' teachings.  I had decent morals, yet clearly allowed other values to be pushed aside.  

I also worked in a high-tech field dominated by men where I strived to be the best. I was always trying to obtain the next promotion or high-profile project, and was working towards breaking that infamous "glass ceiling." Constantly seeking leadership positions and always looking for the next best thing, I was trying to make my life important based on how the secular world measures success, your career and what you achieve.   I also felt that God would accept me based on impressive accomplishments. When I got to the gates of heaven, He'd be impressed and would welcome me with a pat on the back.

In 2001, I moved to Colorado to search for a new job. I was convinced that obtaining the perfect career would give my life purpose, and I thought that life in a new town would provide better opportunities.  When I arrived in Colorado, something nudged at me to check out church again.  After getting past the full-on worship band (where did the organ go?) and clapping hands ("you can't clap in church!" is what I was taught), I realized that I was actually enjoying this new church experience.  Suddenly Daniel related to my life, even if I would never physically be in a pit with lions!  Then I started to really listen (not just hear) what Rick was saying about a personal relationship with Jesus.  I explored this idea and I found my best friend!  I found an incredible love that remained the same, no matter what job I had, and no matter what I may or may not accomplish. After literally searching around the world (I lived in a Zambian village hoping to find my purpose in helping others), I have found I no longer needed to keep striving for the best in order to find purpose; Christ is my purpose.  I was now free to simply live life and enjoy!  How liberating!

Now I focus on what matters to God and interestingly, he also enjoys what matters to me. I recently started volunteering with our high school students and found a whole new purpose and way to share God's Love.  He is my life map, my headlamp in the dark, my sherpa in the mountains.  My journey has not always been clear and the path certainly has not been straight.  However, I've learned that trusting in the Lord's way is much more peaceful than my attempts at being in control.   Just let go and live!