Giraffeology Part Four ;Be Stretched Not Stressed

This past weekend I had the opportunity to walk the land in prayer, with a group of believers from our local church The Point. This made me think that it is time for the next part in the Giraffeology Chronicles.

As I was walking and praying throughout the land here in Mid-Sussex England and looking at the beauty of the landscape. I began to think once again about the giraffe.

You may well be thinking “how in the world did a prayer walk make you think of the giraffe?”. Well let me tell you.

A giraffes neck is about 8ft-2.4m long. That is about half of their total height. Pretty impressive eh? So of course with this tremendously long neck, they have the ability to see over a long range of distance.

This made me think of how we all need to get a clear view in life. To look ahead and have a plan to get where we want to go. To get a higher view not just an earthly one. To get the divine plan that God has for us as He certainly does have a plan for every one of us.

I know that there are some of you out there who are pretty clear on what you want to do in life and how you are going to accomplish your goals. You are the ones that discipline, is your friend. You love lists and schedules and diaries. You know what you want to be when you grow up and how to get there. In fact I think you are the grown ups. :)

Then there are those of us who love random, spontaneous and spur of the moment. We are the Peter Pans who never want to grow up. We thrive on the whirlwind lifestyle. We are the ones who know what we want but have a hard time stopping long enough to stay focused to get it. We have what I call DDD (Discipline Deficit Disorder) We know that we need the lists and the schedules and the diaries. But we use them only when we find that life has become overwhelming. When we do we realize that they really do help. At least that is the way it is with me.

When it comes to reaching a goal or getting something really accomplished in my life. I have found that I must allow myself to be disciplined enough to go by a schedule. Or at the very least, a list.

Like the giraffe I think we must learn to look above the tree tops of life. To look beyond the things that block our vision of the road ahead. Take time to revel in God’s love through a pure heart of worship, prayer and praise. To get a heavenly perspective on things. To look into the word to get the wisdom that only comes from Him. In order accomplish the goals that we have in our hearts to accomplish.

For me praying in the spirit is one of the most powerful things that I find takes me into that higher place with the Lord, coupled with true worship. In the times that I take to soak in the Lord’s presence thinking about Him. Looking up to Him. Stretching my spiritual neck to see Jesus. As I lift Him up in my time of adoration He lifts me higher. Above the circumstances of life and all the distractions so I can get a clear view of things.

It is at these times that He is able to expose the enemy to me. Especially the enemy that seeks to steal my joy and with it my time. What about you?

I am determined to tell myself, that I will be disciplined. In the areas where I feel that I slip through the cracks. Then to remind myself that discipline is not a cuss word. It is a good thing.

When I stick my neck out and stretch a little higher to see things from God’s view I find that I am more empowered to accomplish the things that He has put in my heart to do.

God has already given us all things that pertain to life and godliness.*1 Remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.*2

Come with me as I lift my vision higher. To become like the giraffe who is able to see it’s predators afar off. Able to see the refreshing water hole that will refresh the soul and eat the green lush acacia leaves high up in the tree. Allegorically speaking of course.

Lets endeavor with the Lord’s help to have the character that will help us to go for our dreams. To allow discipline to stretch us. To take chances and go for the dreams deep inside the heart. To be like the giraffe and to stick our neck out. To reach for the high calling that we have in Christ Jesus. *3

I think this quote by Jacqueline Bisset says it all for me, as a woman that is;

Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude and integrity can do a great deal to make a women beautiful

So go ahead and stick your neck and remember always to “Be Stretched Not Stressed”

Grace, Peace and Love, Firedancer

1. 2 Peter 1:3 - 8
2. Philippians 4:13
3. Philippians 3:14