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(Thanks, Delmar Schroeder, for this glimpse of Colorado fall)
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I cleaned off my desk yesterday––a much needed task––and ran across various notes I'd written during the last few sermons at church.
It was revealing.
Some of the notes I'd forgotten I'd even written. But gracious, did they ever resonate…
"Any system of "dos" or "don'ts" that earns us points or recognition is in opposition to God."
"I cannot do anything to make God love me more. I didn't do anything to draw his attention, so what makes me think I can do something to keep it?"
"You'll never miss a thing by being humble."
"Am I praying for strength to endure a storm in my life? Or am I asking God to remove it?"
"When I come into contact with a "difficult person," am I asking God what I'm supposed to learn by the encounter? Or am I asking him how I can serve?"
"I wonder how I would be changed if I knew the deepest hurt of everyone I came into contact with. Would it make me more patient? loving? grateful? considerate? forgiving? The fact is…we all carry "deepest hurts." Lord, I don't have to know everyone's hurt in order to love them well. You already know every hurt. Let that be enough for me."
It was good to review those scribblings, and to spend a few moments reflecting on what I'd written down then had promptly set aside in the busyness of life.
There are moments when I'm keenly––painfully––aware of how far I have to go to really look like Christ. I mean on the inside. Deep inside. But there are an equal, if not greater, collection of moments when I'm cognizant of wanting with everything in me to bear more of His likeness. To turn and glance at the reflection of my soul and catch a glimpse of my Lord's compassion, his insight, his perspective on this life, his love for others, his burning desire for truth. His ultimate desire to do his Father's will no matter what. This excites me and spurs me on. Because I'm confident that "he who began a good work within [me…and you!] will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." (Philippians 1:6)
When you read those statements above from my notes did any of them resonate with you? If yes, then I want to read your diary! Hey, turnabout's fair play! ; )
Looking forward to hearing from you today, friends. And for those of you affected by the storms in the east, know that you have our love and prayers. Please let us know how you're doing.
Tammy
