Raising kids is hard. Wonderful, exciting, fulfilling, challenging and exhausting...just to name a few.
Of course I could go on and on about what I think about raising kids and what to do and what not to do and all of my strong opinions and things I have figured out and things I haven't figured out. But that is not what I am doing here. I am leaving you with
one of my favorite proverbs. I love proverbs, especially the ones in the book of Proverbs in the Bible. Because the Bible is not just a bunch of nice words or sugary thoughts that make you feel good. The Word of God is soul searching, life changing, life giving and full of hope.
There are so many of the proverbs that I LOVE, it is hard to only share a few, but maybe I will add to it later. Or you can read them for yourself, they are awesome.
So let these proverbs speak to you as you gain wisdom from them and practical advice. Encouragement as you take on the hardest task known to man....raising little human beings.
"My son (or daughter or anyone!) do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
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.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine."PROVERBS 3:1-10
"There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that sled innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
My son (or daughter) keep your father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching, Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you. For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way of life." PROVERBS 6:16-23
"When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise."
Proverbs 10:19
"When pride come, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."
Proverbs 11:2
"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man (or woman!) keeps a secret."
Proverbs 11:13
"Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion."
Proverbs 11:22
"One who gives freely, yet gains even more; another witholds unduly, but comes to poverty."
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
Proverbs 11:24-25
"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."
Proverbs 14:30
"He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."
Proverbs 13:20
"Discipline your son (or daughter) and he ( or she) will give you peace. he ( or she) will bring delight to your soul."
Proverbs 29:17
"Discipline your son (or daughter) for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his (or her) death." (spiritual and/or physical death or trouble)
Proverbs 19:18
Okay, so I went a little over board I suppose. I only meant to share a few of my favorites. Which I did. These are only a few! I have so many more! But not enough time! Plus, who wants to read a 40 page blog?
So take these proverbs and gain wisdom from them. Apply them to your heart, search for understanding and gain guidance. So whether you read these for your self and apply them or teach them to you children. Take the Word of God and allow it to speak to you and guide you and give you strength as you go about your job. Your busy job being a provider, a cleaning lady, a seamstress, a Dr., a taxi driver, a teacher (just to name a few!)....a mother.
"(YOU) are clothed with STRENGTH and DIGNITY; YOU can LAUGH at the days to come. YOU speak with WISDOM and FAITHFUL instruction is on your tongue.
"...YOUR children arise and call you BLESSED; and your husband also, and he PRAISES you. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
"...Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting; BUT a WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD IS TO BE PRAISED."
PROVERBS 31:25-30
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Love Hurts?
Something that happened today made me think....Yep, did some thinkin' today...so that's always good:)
All of a sudden the baby started crying. Which is a bit unusual because she truly is the most remarkable baby EVER. She doesn't cry much. No really, she doesn't and this cry was out of the ordinary. I looked over and noticed she was lying face first on the ground. Big sister Mila was right there, looking a bit guilty. Although, she was not too concerned because her eyes were glued to the T.V.
I said, "Mila what did you do to Aria?" "I pushed her." "Why did you push her?"
"Because I love her."
Um, okay. Weird response. I was totally NOT expecting that. And I didn't really know what to think about it except it was hilarious and weird and totally wrong all at the same time. Of course I "dealt" with the situation, but I was still wondering why she said what she said.
I still don't know why she responded that way and I doubt I ever will. Ask a three year old "WHY" and you never know what you are going to hear.
It is however a funny little "happening" that I will be writing in her baby book....maybe both of the babies' books!
So, I started thinking....yep, there I go again.
Sometimes we do or say hurtful things to the people we love the most. Maybe we mean it, but maybe we don't. Either way, we often hurt those who are closest to us and those we love the most.
Why? I don't know. Maybe because we feel like we can take things out on them because we know they will still love us. Or maybe because they are the people who are always with us and they just end up getting the brunt of things.
It's sad though. The people we love the most are the people we should treat with the most love and the upmost respect.
We always put on our "happy" little face or the "perfect" little show for outsiders to see. So they think we are wonderful and amazing and loving and all of that.
But then we "let er' rip" (no, not like that:) For those who are closest to us. We're just ourselves....honest, real and yes, sometimes just plain mean and nasty.
I honestly don't think my daughter had a clue why she said this. Like I said, her eyes were glued to the T.V. and I think she just responded with whatever came to her head. She often tells Aria that she loves her, so I suppose it was a common response, although it made no sense in that situation.
I am choosing to believe that Mila did not truly mean any harm to her sister by pushing her. She didn't do it with an evil gleam in her eye and then her response was weird to say the least. Of course she was wrong and like I said before the situation was dealt with.
I suppose it is just a prime example of how we treat others. Now I am not talking about physical abuse here or anything. (Although I suppose that would be an extreme example.) I am talking about the day-to-day "riff raff" that we cause. You know. The mean comments to our husbands when they leave their clothes on the floor. The "evil eye" or rolling of the eyes when we think they have done something completely stupid. Or the disrespect we show them when we are just in a bad mood and they are the closest ones in proximity so they get to hear about it. Or when we yell at our kids because we are irritated with something or are feeling impatient, although they have done nothing wrong. I am quite guilty of that today. And I feel really bad about it now after writing about it. I didn't even know it was going to "come up" as I was writing, but well, that's how sin is. It will surface...eventually.
So ask for forgiveness from the Father who forgives and who sends our transgressions far, far away. To the place where He won't go back. To the place where He will not return to pick them up and hold them against us. They are gone. Forever. We are forgiven.
So forgive others as Christ Jesus your Lord has forgiven you. And love one another as He has loved you. And treat each other as you would like to be treated.
Love should heal, and trust and show patience and kindness and gentleness....
So, really...Love should not "hurt."
It just seemed like an appropriate title:)
All of a sudden the baby started crying. Which is a bit unusual because she truly is the most remarkable baby EVER. She doesn't cry much. No really, she doesn't and this cry was out of the ordinary. I looked over and noticed she was lying face first on the ground. Big sister Mila was right there, looking a bit guilty. Although, she was not too concerned because her eyes were glued to the T.V.
I said, "Mila what did you do to Aria?" "I pushed her." "Why did you push her?"
"Because I love her."
Um, okay. Weird response. I was totally NOT expecting that. And I didn't really know what to think about it except it was hilarious and weird and totally wrong all at the same time. Of course I "dealt" with the situation, but I was still wondering why she said what she said.
I still don't know why she responded that way and I doubt I ever will. Ask a three year old "WHY" and you never know what you are going to hear.
It is however a funny little "happening" that I will be writing in her baby book....maybe both of the babies' books!
So, I started thinking....yep, there I go again.
Sometimes we do or say hurtful things to the people we love the most. Maybe we mean it, but maybe we don't. Either way, we often hurt those who are closest to us and those we love the most.
Why? I don't know. Maybe because we feel like we can take things out on them because we know they will still love us. Or maybe because they are the people who are always with us and they just end up getting the brunt of things.
It's sad though. The people we love the most are the people we should treat with the most love and the upmost respect.
We always put on our "happy" little face or the "perfect" little show for outsiders to see. So they think we are wonderful and amazing and loving and all of that.
But then we "let er' rip" (no, not like that:) For those who are closest to us. We're just ourselves....honest, real and yes, sometimes just plain mean and nasty.
I honestly don't think my daughter had a clue why she said this. Like I said, her eyes were glued to the T.V. and I think she just responded with whatever came to her head. She often tells Aria that she loves her, so I suppose it was a common response, although it made no sense in that situation.
I am choosing to believe that Mila did not truly mean any harm to her sister by pushing her. She didn't do it with an evil gleam in her eye and then her response was weird to say the least. Of course she was wrong and like I said before the situation was dealt with.
I suppose it is just a prime example of how we treat others. Now I am not talking about physical abuse here or anything. (Although I suppose that would be an extreme example.) I am talking about the day-to-day "riff raff" that we cause. You know. The mean comments to our husbands when they leave their clothes on the floor. The "evil eye" or rolling of the eyes when we think they have done something completely stupid. Or the disrespect we show them when we are just in a bad mood and they are the closest ones in proximity so they get to hear about it. Or when we yell at our kids because we are irritated with something or are feeling impatient, although they have done nothing wrong. I am quite guilty of that today. And I feel really bad about it now after writing about it. I didn't even know it was going to "come up" as I was writing, but well, that's how sin is. It will surface...eventually.
So ask for forgiveness from the Father who forgives and who sends our transgressions far, far away. To the place where He won't go back. To the place where He will not return to pick them up and hold them against us. They are gone. Forever. We are forgiven.
So forgive others as Christ Jesus your Lord has forgiven you. And love one another as He has loved you. And treat each other as you would like to be treated.
Love should heal, and trust and show patience and kindness and gentleness....
So, really...Love should not "hurt."
It just seemed like an appropriate title:)
Monday, May 10, 2010
The LONG Way Around
I heard a country song the other day....okay most days because I just LOVE country music! Not some of that new stuff that they "call" country music. Some of it is waaay too "poppy." Not that I don't like pop, I do. But when I want to listen to country, well, that's what I want to hear.
Anyway, back to my point. I think it was the Dixie Chicks (yes, those controversial "chicks") But I think it is an older song that they redid. Anyway, the lyrics that make up most of the chorus are: Takin' the long way around. Yep, that's it. Just a few words that really got me. Mainly because that is how I feel like my life has been. At least for the last eight or so years.
I had somewhat of a plan for my life and well, life happened! And of course, not how I had expected. Isn't life funny like that? Okay, so sometimes it's NOT funny at all. It's annoying, it's disappointing, it frustrating, it's...need I go on?
The plans of a man's heart are many, but it is the Lord's will that prevails. That is somewhere in the Psalms. And isn't it SO true?
But in the end God truly knows what is best for us. Sure, we don't think of it at the time. Perhaps we will never come to realize it. But He truly knows best. Even in the most troubling of circumstances.
You see all I really ever wanted out of life (besides my wonderful Godly husband and my precious children) was to find a place we could settle down. A place we loved, a place where we had community and could live our life. All in all, I was looking for stability.
I never thought that was too much to ask. After all that's what MOST people do, right? Wrong. I don't know the percentage of people who settle down right away and have a house with a picket fence and the whole shabang, but I know it is not everyone and maybe it is not even MOST people either. Although I really have no clue. I am just speculating. Anyway, my point is, throughout the years and the moves. (we have lived in 8 different places since we have been married. Two of them being with family and one of them moving back to the same area. Oh yes, and one out of state.) Hmmm...is that all? Yes, I think that is PLENTY thank you very much:)
Anyway, through it I have learned a lot of things and some of them I am still learning and no I am not happy about it:) Because learning is hard sometimes, a lot of times. Most times. And it requires us to really focus and sometimes make changes. Oh yes, change, that was one of my "points" too. I don't really like change. I mean maybe a little bit. Like changing around the decor in my house, that's fun. And changing my clothes, yes that is necessary and sometimes fun. And changing the sheets on your bed, yes, that's good too. Fresh sheets are delightful. But what about those changes that are not so fun or delightful.
Yep. I can think if A LOT of them. Because I have been through them. Like changing the baby's diaper at 2am when all you want to do is sleep and you wake up in the morning to find that you have not only been sleeping in the bed with your husband but also with that lovely diaper. Gross. That is not a nice "change."
What about living somewhere for 4 years and making friends and finally loving your house because your husband remodeled the terrible kitchen and bath (and I mean TERRIBLE) And now it is AMAZING. What about finding out that your husband was laid off AND you are pregnant (with your second child) all in the SAME week! Yah, that is a crazy change. What about leaving two jobs in ministry because they were not the places they said they were. And you were mislead and mistreated. And no said they were sorry for the damage they caused in your spirit, your heart, and in your family.
Nope I would say none of that sounds like good change to me. Sounds like difficult change and LAME change and NOT SO FUN change...need I go on?
These are some of the few changes that have happened in the last 8 or so years of my life. And there are more. Some huge ones and some smaller...but all difficult. Not easy to bear to say the least.
Through it all and like I said I am still learning and I KNOW there will be MORE change, perhaps sooner than later. Although I don't want it. It will probably be better in the long run. But it is hard to look at the "long run" when all you really care about right now is the "SHORT RUN!" The "what is happening now", "the present"
"today" and maybe "tomorrow" but no further than that thank you very much.
Oh, how I wish I were done learning in this area. I wish I didn't have to think about the next time we might move or the next house I have to decorate and the next church we will attend or the next friends I have to make. I don't want to! But I will.
Because that is what I do. That is what WE do. "WE" as in all of us. We "roll with the punches" , We "stick it out", We "hang in there." All sayings you have probably heard from your mother and hated. (the sayings, not your mother.)
Because we don't know what the Lord has in store for us. We pray, we seek His will, and then, well, we pretty much wait to see what happens.
I know that all of the "craziness" in my life will make sense someday. Now, I might be in heaven by then, but either way I think I will find out. And I look forward to that day, whether it be in heaven or on earth. "OH, so THAT'S why my life was like that!" "WOW, God you are AMAZING, I never would have thought of that."
All in all my life is about glorifying the Lord and worshiping HIM. So whether I am here or there or everywhere, I want to glorify Him. I want to encourage others no matter what I am going through. I think God uses us MOST when we are vulnerable and authentic. In fact, I think that is the ONLY way that the Lord can use us. Let's be real and not act like we have it all together, because we don't. And if there is someone that you think does, well, I suggest spying on them so you can find out that they DON'T! Just kidding. (about the spying part...that might be illegal or something.)
So, "hang in there" if you are going through something tough. Most likely you are or you will in the future. Life is about change like that.
A wise woman I worked with in church said, "God is your constant." Things around you will change and you might move or have a change in profession. But in the end "God is your constant." He will NEVER change. He will always be with you. In front of you to lead you, behind you to protect you and beside you to comfort you.
So I will hold on to this....GOD IS MY CONSTANT, He is YOUR CONSTANT. I (we) need to hold on to that because it is the only way I will make it as I'm "takin' the LONG way around."
Anyway, back to my point. I think it was the Dixie Chicks (yes, those controversial "chicks") But I think it is an older song that they redid. Anyway, the lyrics that make up most of the chorus are: Takin' the long way around. Yep, that's it. Just a few words that really got me. Mainly because that is how I feel like my life has been. At least for the last eight or so years.
I had somewhat of a plan for my life and well, life happened! And of course, not how I had expected. Isn't life funny like that? Okay, so sometimes it's NOT funny at all. It's annoying, it's disappointing, it frustrating, it's...need I go on?
The plans of a man's heart are many, but it is the Lord's will that prevails. That is somewhere in the Psalms. And isn't it SO true?
But in the end God truly knows what is best for us. Sure, we don't think of it at the time. Perhaps we will never come to realize it. But He truly knows best. Even in the most troubling of circumstances.
You see all I really ever wanted out of life (besides my wonderful Godly husband and my precious children) was to find a place we could settle down. A place we loved, a place where we had community and could live our life. All in all, I was looking for stability.
I never thought that was too much to ask. After all that's what MOST people do, right? Wrong. I don't know the percentage of people who settle down right away and have a house with a picket fence and the whole shabang, but I know it is not everyone and maybe it is not even MOST people either. Although I really have no clue. I am just speculating. Anyway, my point is, throughout the years and the moves. (we have lived in 8 different places since we have been married. Two of them being with family and one of them moving back to the same area. Oh yes, and one out of state.) Hmmm...is that all? Yes, I think that is PLENTY thank you very much:)
Anyway, through it I have learned a lot of things and some of them I am still learning and no I am not happy about it:) Because learning is hard sometimes, a lot of times. Most times. And it requires us to really focus and sometimes make changes. Oh yes, change, that was one of my "points" too. I don't really like change. I mean maybe a little bit. Like changing around the decor in my house, that's fun. And changing my clothes, yes that is necessary and sometimes fun. And changing the sheets on your bed, yes, that's good too. Fresh sheets are delightful. But what about those changes that are not so fun or delightful.
Yep. I can think if A LOT of them. Because I have been through them. Like changing the baby's diaper at 2am when all you want to do is sleep and you wake up in the morning to find that you have not only been sleeping in the bed with your husband but also with that lovely diaper. Gross. That is not a nice "change."
What about living somewhere for 4 years and making friends and finally loving your house because your husband remodeled the terrible kitchen and bath (and I mean TERRIBLE) And now it is AMAZING. What about finding out that your husband was laid off AND you are pregnant (with your second child) all in the SAME week! Yah, that is a crazy change. What about leaving two jobs in ministry because they were not the places they said they were. And you were mislead and mistreated. And no said they were sorry for the damage they caused in your spirit, your heart, and in your family.
Nope I would say none of that sounds like good change to me. Sounds like difficult change and LAME change and NOT SO FUN change...need I go on?
These are some of the few changes that have happened in the last 8 or so years of my life. And there are more. Some huge ones and some smaller...but all difficult. Not easy to bear to say the least.
Through it all and like I said I am still learning and I KNOW there will be MORE change, perhaps sooner than later. Although I don't want it. It will probably be better in the long run. But it is hard to look at the "long run" when all you really care about right now is the "SHORT RUN!" The "what is happening now", "the present"
"today" and maybe "tomorrow" but no further than that thank you very much.
Oh, how I wish I were done learning in this area. I wish I didn't have to think about the next time we might move or the next house I have to decorate and the next church we will attend or the next friends I have to make. I don't want to! But I will.
Because that is what I do. That is what WE do. "WE" as in all of us. We "roll with the punches" , We "stick it out", We "hang in there." All sayings you have probably heard from your mother and hated. (the sayings, not your mother.)
Because we don't know what the Lord has in store for us. We pray, we seek His will, and then, well, we pretty much wait to see what happens.
I know that all of the "craziness" in my life will make sense someday. Now, I might be in heaven by then, but either way I think I will find out. And I look forward to that day, whether it be in heaven or on earth. "OH, so THAT'S why my life was like that!" "WOW, God you are AMAZING, I never would have thought of that."
All in all my life is about glorifying the Lord and worshiping HIM. So whether I am here or there or everywhere, I want to glorify Him. I want to encourage others no matter what I am going through. I think God uses us MOST when we are vulnerable and authentic. In fact, I think that is the ONLY way that the Lord can use us. Let's be real and not act like we have it all together, because we don't. And if there is someone that you think does, well, I suggest spying on them so you can find out that they DON'T! Just kidding. (about the spying part...that might be illegal or something.)
So, "hang in there" if you are going through something tough. Most likely you are or you will in the future. Life is about change like that.
A wise woman I worked with in church said, "God is your constant." Things around you will change and you might move or have a change in profession. But in the end "God is your constant." He will NEVER change. He will always be with you. In front of you to lead you, behind you to protect you and beside you to comfort you.
So I will hold on to this....GOD IS MY CONSTANT, He is YOUR CONSTANT. I (we) need to hold on to that because it is the only way I will make it as I'm "takin' the LONG way around."
Monday, May 3, 2010
What is Right....
The other day I was at the store with my 3 year old and I bought three items and headed for the car. At the check out counter I realized that I must have gotten a sweet deal because I ended up paying only about four dollars! Wow, how did I manage that?
At the car I looked at my receipt and realized that I was only charged for two of my three items. Of course I was irritated because that meant I had to do one of two things. Leave, knowing that I got a "sweet" deal, but knowing that I didn't come by it honestly. Or I could go back inside and pay for the item. Which meant I had to get my daughter out of the car, again, and find a new parking spot.
I pulled out and saw that there was a spot right in front of the store...shoot. That meant I really had to go back. It made it easier to go, but I was still irritated.
I jumped out of the car, leaving my daughter in the car because I could see from the store window and I knew it would be a short trip inside. I know, I know, I shouldn't have left her in there, so please don't scold me:)
I went back, told the lady and payed for the item. She was astonished that I came back to pay. And she thanked me and said that most people would not have been so honest. It was nice that she noticed, but it's not like she announced it over the intercom or anything. Maybe that is the "thanks" I should've gotten. No such luck:)
I left feeling grateful that I "did the right thing." But just doing the right thing was not what I felt good about. I started to think about why I felt the way I did. I don't care about the store or if they lose money or the fact that the lady made a mistake. No that isn't why I did it. It's not the end of the world if they lose a couple bucks, right? Especially to me, I need the "sweet" deal.
Confetti did not come from the sky as I left the store. The manager didn't stop me to say, "Thank you for being so honest. You are amazing. In fact, I'll give you your money back and you can have the items for free." Nope, didn't happen.
I wasn't really looking for this type of "thanks" but I guess it would've been nice. You see I have gone back to several stores for the same reason. They forgot to charge me for something and me, having to be so darn honest has to go back and pay so I don't feel guilty. Sometimes the employees said nothing to me. No "thanks." No, "I'm sorry for making you haul your crew back inside because I made a mistake." Nothing.
I realized that just "doing the right thing" didn't seem like "enough."
Doing the right thing is great, don't get me wrong. But I realized that behind the "doing the right thing" there was something a little deeper.
I try to do the right thing because I know it honors God. I am being obedient to Him when I obey the law and when I am honest or tell the truth. I honor Him when I do things for others. Like I said, I didn't really care about the store or the fact that they might lose a little money..so shoot me. What I was grateful for was that God was honored with what I did.
I didn't receive any accolades for the small thing I did. No one gave me an extra brownie point. What I did get was the, "not feeling guilty" feeling, which is good. But I knew that God was pleased with me because I was obedient, because in a very small way I honored Him.
I don't expect to receive a crown in heaven for this sort of thing...but then again, who knows:)
What I did receive was joy, knowing that I had honored the Lord. It was a small thing for me to do, but it was big to God.
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:40
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:2
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..."
Galatians 6:9-10
"Live as children of the light, (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness [doing what is right] and truth.) And find out what pleases the Lord."
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Colossians 3:23-24
At the car I looked at my receipt and realized that I was only charged for two of my three items. Of course I was irritated because that meant I had to do one of two things. Leave, knowing that I got a "sweet" deal, but knowing that I didn't come by it honestly. Or I could go back inside and pay for the item. Which meant I had to get my daughter out of the car, again, and find a new parking spot.
I pulled out and saw that there was a spot right in front of the store...shoot. That meant I really had to go back. It made it easier to go, but I was still irritated.
I jumped out of the car, leaving my daughter in the car because I could see from the store window and I knew it would be a short trip inside. I know, I know, I shouldn't have left her in there, so please don't scold me:)
I went back, told the lady and payed for the item. She was astonished that I came back to pay. And she thanked me and said that most people would not have been so honest. It was nice that she noticed, but it's not like she announced it over the intercom or anything. Maybe that is the "thanks" I should've gotten. No such luck:)
I left feeling grateful that I "did the right thing." But just doing the right thing was not what I felt good about. I started to think about why I felt the way I did. I don't care about the store or if they lose money or the fact that the lady made a mistake. No that isn't why I did it. It's not the end of the world if they lose a couple bucks, right? Especially to me, I need the "sweet" deal.
Confetti did not come from the sky as I left the store. The manager didn't stop me to say, "Thank you for being so honest. You are amazing. In fact, I'll give you your money back and you can have the items for free." Nope, didn't happen.
I wasn't really looking for this type of "thanks" but I guess it would've been nice. You see I have gone back to several stores for the same reason. They forgot to charge me for something and me, having to be so darn honest has to go back and pay so I don't feel guilty. Sometimes the employees said nothing to me. No "thanks." No, "I'm sorry for making you haul your crew back inside because I made a mistake." Nothing.
I realized that just "doing the right thing" didn't seem like "enough."
Doing the right thing is great, don't get me wrong. But I realized that behind the "doing the right thing" there was something a little deeper.
I try to do the right thing because I know it honors God. I am being obedient to Him when I obey the law and when I am honest or tell the truth. I honor Him when I do things for others. Like I said, I didn't really care about the store or the fact that they might lose a little money..so shoot me. What I was grateful for was that God was honored with what I did.
I didn't receive any accolades for the small thing I did. No one gave me an extra brownie point. What I did get was the, "not feeling guilty" feeling, which is good. But I knew that God was pleased with me because I was obedient, because in a very small way I honored Him.
I don't expect to receive a crown in heaven for this sort of thing...but then again, who knows:)
What I did receive was joy, knowing that I had honored the Lord. It was a small thing for me to do, but it was big to God.
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:40
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and perfect will."
Romans 12:2
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..."
Galatians 6:9-10
"Live as children of the light, (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness [doing what is right] and truth.) And find out what pleases the Lord."
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men...It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Colossians 3:23-24
Saturday, May 1, 2010
When I Am Weak...
Carry my burdens,
For I am weak and they are too heavy for me.
Give me patience,
Because I am too weak to wait on your timing.
Guide me in your truth,
For in my weakness I do not know the way in which I should go.
Fill me with your love,
Because I am too weak to reach out to others.
Stay close by my side Lord,
For I am too weak to make the journey alone.
"But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am WEAK, then I am STRONG."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
For I am weak and they are too heavy for me.
Give me patience,
Because I am too weak to wait on your timing.
Guide me in your truth,
For in my weakness I do not know the way in which I should go.
Fill me with your love,
Because I am too weak to reach out to others.
Stay close by my side Lord,
For I am too weak to make the journey alone.
"But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am WEAK, then I am STRONG."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
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