"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
~ Proverbs 3:5-6
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's... impact?
I once heard it said, comparison is the thief of joy.
I'm quite sure it's not the only one, but they certainly had a point.
We look at our lives and think, I should be farther along in my plan, I should have done this, that, or the other thing.
First of all, I think I've mentioned this before, and forgive the play on a not so nice word; but I also once heard it said, we really want to be careful not to should all over ourselves. (My apologies.)
But, there again, whoever's brainchild that was had a very good point.
I truly do believe God has us right where He wants us. Even if it's not because we've embodied the ideal of living in His Will and His Way every moment. I've dropped that ball more times than I can count.
The wonderful news is, we know He has a plan and a purpose.
He works all things together...
That's where those delightfully cheesy catchphrases become cliche comfort...
Your test will become your testimony, etc...
They stick because they're so true.
One of the biggest places I find myself drawing my focus down from where it belongs and into the wide wide world, is impact.
I'm sure we all have those things that snatch our attention. Just like Peter, if only we'd kept our eyes and heart and mind and focus where it belonged, we wouldn't have begun to sink. We'd be walking on our own proverbial water, even in the midst of the storm.
Alas, we're human, and the wind and waves steal our attention.
I'd love to make a true impact in a lot of lives before I shuffle off this mortal coil.
When I see people making a beautiful difference, I can sometimes get down on myself about not having (yet) done X, Y, or Z.
What is that thing for you? What takes focus off of the Father, off of the Savior, away from the Spirit, and distracts?
It seems like a worthy question.
If we're willing to do the investigation, the critical thinking to find some of those answers and triggers, we're better able to take that slippery little thought captive and return our presence where it belongs, in His presence.
If we'll do our best, He'll take care of the rest! :) There you go, another cute catchphrase to hold onto.
We have chosen to be yoked to Him, we have chosen to co-labor. So, it's true!
We simply must show up. Simple, but not always easy.
Holy Week seems the perfect time to practice keeping a reverent eye on Him.
He told us to be in the world, but not of the world.
It's an interesting trapeze wire to walk, but in the last week of His life, He did such an exquisite job of setting an example of how to graciously surrender, though we sweat blood; or some other seemingly equivalent intensity of worldly experience.
We know that whatever we face, it's not carrying the weight of the sin of the world to the cross, but it's a real and valid experience for us. I believe God honors all of the complexity and depth of each one of those journeys.
That is one of the many reasons the example of how He chose to live the last week of His life is so powerful.
God doesn't mind if we ask, Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. He knows the tasks set before us are not all easy.
When it was not possible, He surrendered, He obeyed, He took up His cross and walked...
as must we all.
I pray you have a well honored Holy Week.
P.S. One final thought on impact, etc...
Whatever it is He is asking of us, He has all of the strength we need ready and waiting. He equips us. Perhaps He is saying, feed one. Only you know the whispers of the Still Small Voice to your heart. Whatever it is, He is your shelter and strength. He walks the path with every single one of His children.
This day and ever after, let's trust and step out in faith, what do you think? Then whatever impact or results or anything else He has for us to be/do/accomplish, I have faith will come to pass, one step at a time.
Thank you for the beauty you shine in this world. I appreciate you, beloved of the Father.
This Holy week and always, Heavenly Father...
Thank You, for Your perfect timing.
May we keep our eyes on You.
May we surrender, trust, and obey.
May we have the eyes to see, the ears to hear, the heart for You, and the will to walk ever in Your Way.
Thank You, for writing us into Your story.
Thank You, for helping us to remember that, come what may, we are never alone.
We love You, we choose You, we need You.
Thank You for the gift of You in our lives, as the Father, as the Son, as the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
"And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: 'This is the way. Walk in it.'" ~ Isaiah 30:21
"And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." ~ Romans 8:28
May the Good Lord bless you and keep you, friends... always, in all ways. Amen.
Bonus song of praise... ♥
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