Choices and lessons learned

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)

 

So … yeah … I went and got a manicure and pedicure yesterday. So many colors to choose from: from the very mild-mannered tame to the wild and outrageous. Getting a mani / pedi is such a once in a blue moon luxury that the playful side of me jumped right on board with the celebratory spirit and picked out this bold teal color!

 

And a part of me was giggling like a child inside at such a foolish, crazy, out of character choice. But walking out of the salon, my frivolous choice stood out like flashing neon lights with every step! Good Lord, what was I thinking?

 

Being a Christian can sometimes be like that. Not conforming to the norm in the way the world responds to situations but being more Christlike: in patience, in forgiveness, in compassion. Yes, we too, probably stick out like neon lights when we extend love instead of giving people “what they deserve”.

 

But like the colors on the nail polish rack, we have choices. Do we go tame and blend in with the world? Or be bold for Jesus and giggle with childlike delight?

 

I am enjoying my bold teal nails. They are reminders that I am a child of God and a representative of the joy of Jesus to the world.

 

 

 

Special Delivery

But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. (2 Timothy 4:17)

 

I’m an adoptive mom. So I can’t speak from experience. But I have heard that during labor, the contractions come ... and go. And usually the mother is instructed to rest in between and reserve her strength – for later. In order to rest, she must have to focus on the current moment. Appreciate the respite fully. I suppose that anxious anticipation would drain you, leaving you unprepared for what is ahead. But with the stopping to receive strength, you can make it through the trial, and behold the very glory of God.

 

And it made me think of life in general. Worrying about the future, negative expectations, and anxious “what ifs” all rob us of power to face life’s big and little trials. Without renewed strength, we may stop short of getting through it at all.

 

The Lord knows we need constant refilling. That’s why He says, “Come to Me …” (Matthew 11:28) If life is seeming to get more and more overwhelming, maybe you aren’t stopping to rest when He offers it to you. It’s time to give yourself permission to rest. It’s necessary for a balanced life, a strong life. A getting-through life. And bringing out the glory of God.

 

God offers you a way to have the strength you need for any situation.

 

“Come to Me … and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

 

 

Making it simple

Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39)

"Don't stand on the toys!"      "Stop spitting!"
"No climbing!"       "Don't bite!"
"No running!"      "No throwing toys!"
"Don't hit!"


These are just a few of the lines I say repeatedly while working in the toddler room of a child care facility. Repeatedly. So many rules. So many reminders. They are probably thinking, "well, what CAN I do?"

I had to make it more simple, for myself as well as for them.

Don't hurt.

Don't hurt yourself. Running, climbing, etc. could cause injury and pain. Maybe we should take this wise advise too. Don't do things to yourself that causes damage, harm, or unnecessary pain. Take good care of yourself. You, yes, you - are a beloved child of God.

Don't hurt the toys. Standing on, and throwing them. Abuse causes things to break and then we can't have them anymore. Take good, responsible care of all the things you have. Appreciate. Enjoy. Every good and perfect gift is from God above.

Don't hurt others. Hitting, spitting, biting. For them it's physical actions. For us, it could be done in words and attitude. Guard your mouth and your heart. Love your neighbor.

When it comes to yourself, possessions, and others: simply put - don't hurt.

I gotta move!

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go ... (Genesis 28:15)

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for  the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139: 7-10)

This morning I woke up thinking about some little boy who has already had so many changes in his young life, and his mom is looking at a different place to live. This little one is whiny and cries easily; I'm thinking he can't handle one more change ... but he's gotta move.

And I think about an elderly woman, who has come to the time in life where she can't live alone anymore. The kids have decided she needs more watchful care on a daily basis. She loves the comfort and familiarity of "home" ... but, she too, has gotta move.

And still there are others, young and old, who are standing at death's door. Whether by some debilitating illness or just the body wearing out from old age, suddenly they know their days are numbered. Although they are Christian believers, and know of the wonderful promise of heaven above, their heart longs to remain with the familiar. But, like the others ... they gotta move.

In all three scenarios, the decision to move is pretty much out of their control. They "gotta" ...

I look back over my life. There were changes that I was excited about. And moves that terrified me. But true to His Word, God used everything for good (Romans 8:28). Circumstances I felt trapped in "pushed" me into a major move. Whether in physical moves like joining the Navy and being transferred far from home, or emotional moves like deciding to move forward with a divorce and having to face everything on my own, God has used these moves to mold and shape me - into a better, stronger person. I'm not only able to understand more, but also able to receive more. Trust and experience God more.

Moving up and out does that.

Like the grieving process, no one can tell you how long or when, but there does come a time when - ya gotta move. On. Forward. Higher. Take a look at yourself. Is there any place you are refusing to be moved - relationally, spiritually, emotionally? Have you enjoyed a Sabbath rest and now its time to get moving again? Do you know that God is everywhere, and so there is beauty everywhere? That God can be found in love and power and strength - anywhere? But if you don't move, you don't need strength and power. And so you may not see and experience God. Go. And when you go, you go with God. Remember that the next time you "gotta move". Wherever you go, so does God.