What momma said

© 2012 Julie Crane All rights reserved

 I recall when I heard it first as a teenager. The too tall, gawky, frizzy (not curly) hair, never measuring up teenager. And what she said then has come back to me time and time again. Those words still ring clear and true:

"Don't wish your life away."

You see, as a teenager, an awkward teenager, I was always hoping for things to be different. Now, I realize, that many teenagers get to a stage where they want things to be different. Somehow better than what they've already got.

What was mom really saying? As I think back, I don't remember it as a Pollyanna, happy go lucky, silver lining, count your blessings kind of advice. I don't think she was saying everything is beautiful and forgot / dismiss all the bad stuff. Her nature didn't reflect an overzealous enthusiasm but more of a quiet and patient acceptance of what is. And what is doesn't have to tear you down. Tend to your spirit / attitude inside no matter what is going on outside. There is a peace beyond mere survival.

I pause now to think about this. What did I want? A body, hair, and lifestyle acceptable to others. The  same as others. On the same page as all others.

But God says:

My grace is sufficient for you." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Grace - divine assistance

Sufficient - meeting the need

And maybe the word "godly" should precede "need". For God is concerned more about our insides than what the world thinks of our outsides.

 

You are supplied with everything you need to lead a godly life. If you focus on that, you will realize you DO have all that is needed. If you focus on the world around you, the circumstances around you - well, yes, as a Christian, you may find yourself lacking in the demands and commands of the world. You may certainly lack the peace Jesus offers.

So, here we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic. And many of us are wishing, wishing, wishing for a different (better) life. I'm going to fall back on these thoughts about mom's character - quiet and patient acceptance. Not because I am a head-in-the-sand kind of gal, but because I know and trust in the Creator, Ruler, Handler of it all. I can rest in Him. I can. You can. We can sit in His holy presence. We don't have to wish our life away for eternal life (safekeeping, assurance, peace) with Him to begin. We have His full attention and extravagant love right now. Is that not the real desire of our hearts? All that is needed, His hand has provided, IS providing. Right? Great, great, GREAT is His faithfulness...

Wishing your life away?

Or immersing yourself in the loving presence of Jesus day and night?

Jesus gives it all - all that is needed.

Have a good day!