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We get stuck in a rut sometimes. Rhythms of our lives become engrained and it is hard to break free of it. Old habits, old routines, old thoughts, old norms, old patterns repeated again and again. How do we move forward? How do we grow?
The only way to break free from our old ways and embracing the new is to let go of the old and be intentional going forward. We have this great ability of starting something new and then when it gets hard we return to our old familiar ways almost like they are a comfy blanket wrapped around us keeping us in the rut. Lockdown has forced new patterns upon us and some of us are longing for the old back. Is there a way to move forward, creating a new path? Is there a way through that brings us through without reverting to the old? I believe God wants us to live lives that are full of life, not constantly retreating backwards but moving forwards with purpose driving us onward. God creates ways where there seems to be no way. If we ask God will reveal the way to us. Whatever rut you are stuck in, there is a way through. There is new life just around the corner all you need to do is keep moving forward to reach it.
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Life is filled with unexpected moments. No matter who we are, our plans falter, our dreams change and some goals seem unachievable. It is in these unexpected moments that we can discover grace and compassion. Can you imagine what would happen if we were to face every time we got off track due to the unexpected with grace and compassion for ourselves; recognizing that we are actually in the exact timing and exact placement God wants us in.
God is the one who orchestrates our lives, He is the one who placed us on the path, and what is unexpected for me is no surprise to Him. That is right God planned for every moment that seems unexpected to us. This takes the pressure off us! We are exactly where God planned for us to be. Hard to wrap your head around, but freeing if we embrace it! God has planned for our unexpected. When we feel like we have failed cling to the fact that this is part of the path you are following, the journey you are on. God knew this would happen and has meticulously planned for it. We need to have compassion towards ourselves and not get discouraged, but pick ourselves up and continue on. This brings a new perspective to James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. Great joy because God has already accounted for it and you are exactly where you need to be. Great joy because it gives us the opportunity to demonstrate God's grace for ourselves. Great joy because God will give us everything we need to endure through it and come out the other side. Do not let go of your goals, your plans, your dreams. Instead be open to the fact that they may not happen in your time table, or in the way that you had planned; rest in the knowledge that it is all happening in God's time table and in the way that he has planned. It is so reassuring knowing that the living God of the universe and beyond has everything under control, even my unexpected moments! This morning while I was doing devotions I was reminded that in order to demonstrate God's love the way He has called me to, I need to become like a love sponge soaking up God's love and letting out a bit at a time throughout the day with every person I encounter. This is not a new revelation, but a great reminder.
In order to be that sponge it means I need to in God's presence allowing His love to soak into me every day. The challenge to all Christians is that we do this every day, for without this we end up with a sponge that is empty and when we want to demonstrate to love to others we are empty. Extended periods of dryness then lead to becoming hard hearted. It is in these times that we lose sight of God's place in our lives and our love for Him. This was a great reminder for me and I hope for all that read this who love God, it inspires you to want to soak in God's love and become full again, ready to share God's love with everyone you meet. Have you ever thought about the food you eat? Lately, it has been one of the things that is always in the back of my mind. How does this food make me feel? Do I feel nauseous? Do I feel satisfied? Do I feel lethargic or energetic? Asking myself these questions has helped me to better understand what works for me and what does not.
This got me thinking about how many times food was mentioned in the Bible. From the fruit that Adam and Eve ate from the tree in Genesis, to Jesus having the last supper with the twelve disciples. Food is an intricate part of our lives. Meal times are meant for us to communicate with each other as well as provide sustenance. I think this gets lost sometimes in busyness. Drive Thru's do not really facilitate this type of communication. Eating a meal together may not seem all that important, but I must say the times when I have been device free enjoying a meal with others, it brings a real sense of closeness with those joining me. I have two cats and I have found that they are extremely mysterious creatures. One day they are all snuggly with me, and the next they want nothing to do with me. Is this normal? They are constantly glued to my husband's side. When he sits on the couch they either curl up by his side or crawl up into his lap. When he is cooking they stand at his feet begging for food, attention or both. As a result of the lack of attention I receive I have started to feel like they do not love me as much as they love Walter.
It is interesting how we measure love. With the cats, I have been measuring how much they love me based on whether or not they snuggle with me. In all honesty, there could be many things at play for why they are more distant with me. For one, Walter is usually up before me so he is the one who usually feeds them in the morning. Secondly, both of our cats are female, so they may be upset with me when Walter shows me more attention. In our lives, we can always be thinking we know what others are thinking through their actions, but in reality do we really know their mind or their heart? Is it possible that it could actually be something going on for them and have absolutely nothing to do with us? Regardless of how that person has been acting if they are a person you love, show them. You may just be surprised by their reaction. |
Connie BlackwoodJoin me on my journey through life's joys and difficulties. Archives
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