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Jan 4
I can remember Mom shaping my curly, damp hair around her finger one section at a time. Most of my life I struggled with the all or nothing trait. Longfellow must have had me in mind.
There was a little girl
There was a little girl,
Who had a little curl,
Right in the middle of her forehead.
When she was good,
She was very good indeed,
But when she was bad she was horrid.
Time hasn’t tamed my fervor, God’s grace working in my life has. I still find myself procrastinating on what’s necessary or hyper focussing on things less urgent at times (and my hair is still curly), but for the most part God has shown me the importance of walking in the Spirit moment by moment. If I’m following closely to Him, I will effectively be protected from the weakness of myself and any sin that so easily suffocates me with the desire to do versus to be.
Ephesians 5:20 …always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rather than being in control myself, a quick peek at my planner and to-do list will manifest the urge to all or nothing, when I’m allowing the Lord to control my days, time, heart, I am free to just BE in Christ, to walk in the Spirit. The litmus test for knowing whose path I’m trodding is easy. When it’s my own, I vaccilate between stress and elation depending on how well I’m executing my plans. When it’s the Holy Spirit I’m walking with, I allow God to search and purify my heart. Walking with the Lord is freeing from all or nothing as I am filled with peace, and thanksgiving. My heart sings praises to the Lord and my words flow with thanksgiving.
Abba Father, I praise You for all You are in my life. Thank you, Lord, for Jesus. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, chastising and grace. Thank You for mercies new every morning. Thank You for another day to know You and share You with my family and friends. I am undeserving but so very blessed.
