I read something in a devotional this morning that resonated with me, and I know it already, but oftentimes I just let it get past me. What is it? Read on as I write from the book fresh-brewed life by Nicole Johnson.
(quote) Do we trust that prayer is the safest place to tell the truth? Do we dare believe that God can hold our hearts and all that is in our hearts? That He fully knows who we are and, even more, who we can become? There is no safer place to begin telling the truth than to the God who made you and loves you. True surrender is to open your hands, lay down your guns, false motives, and strategies, and give the Eyes of love a good look at you. There is no shame at the feet of Jesus. No one can come and pull the curtain back and expose you; the curtain is already open. It's been torn from top to bottom. There is nothing to hide in the presence of God.
Our prayers reveal our shortsightedness and lack of understanding. We pray for God to bring us a friend rather than praying for the wisdom and heart to be a friend. We pray "Lord, take this struggle away," rather than "Let this struggle change me to look more like you." When we pray and ask God for specific things we want, we are often disappointed. But when we ask for the Lord's will or for His presence, we are never left wanting. God is shaping us by our suffering, and He will not leave us or forsake us in the midst of it. In fact, the opposite is the promise of scripture, "God is near to the brokenhearted." (Psalm 34:18 paraphrased).
Unfortunately, another promise of scripture is, "In this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33). In this world, we will face the daily grind. But as the grounds pile up, just know that none are lost or wasted, like our tears. God has a way of using them beyond our wildest imaginations. (unquote)
Those paragraphs really spoke to me this morning. I hope you get the jest from the title that coffee and coffee grounds are involved. I'm enjoying this devotional and I'm not that far in to it. But today's reading caused me to reflect on some things. Yes, what came to mind was the recent frustration, and even anger, at someone who is all about herself and condemns anyone who she doesn't like anyway but dares to say anything against her. No, I didn't pray hailstones would fall on them. Felt like it, in all honesty. But, no, I prayed that their eyes would be opened to what they were doing (that hasn't happened yet based on posts), and that they would completely surrender their life to the One who they claims to serve. (and yes, that can apply to anyone, including me).
Instead of wishing and hoping a person can be punished for what they did to us, why not change the way we pray and instead ask God "Help me to live a blameless life", or "What can I learn from this situation", or "Help me to love the unlovely, just as I ask You to love me". There are other questions that I could come up with, but I think you get what I'm trying to say. Unfortunately, neither of the parties involved learned anything from the situation. Me? I've learned not to comment on ANY post that has a reflection on them. But what did I learn from that situation besides that? Honestly, I'm not sure. I'm waiting on God to open my eyes to see and my ears to hear what He would want me to do if the situation would ever arise again (and knowing this person and their need for self-affirmation, it probably will). How do these chapters speak to you?
I have to tell you something funny that happened yesterday. I got (another) delivery from UPS and ask hubby carried in the boxes, something he has started to do lately, came from his mouth.... "WHAT did you buy now??" Usually, the small packages from Amazon I just say 'Christmas!' - and they usually are as I've started to pick up little things as I find them on sale. (Goal is to be done Christmas shopping by Thanksgiving) But this time, the packages were for me. So I told him what they were, and as I opened the boxes, I explained.....
I had been over at Ms. Diane's and watched Chef Curtis Stone (which is why I do NOT watch these shows!!) using a 14" electric skillet (now mind you, I have a small 10" electric skillet in a cabinet in the garage somewhere that I haven't used for a long time) and it is big enough to fix 4 ribeye steaks in, use as a quesadilla maker (he dropped a handful of shredded cheese in the pan, let it melt, then used a tortilla to pick it all up - it was awesome!) and he fixed other dishes in it as well as he demonstrated it. There is also a steamer attachment to it that you can steam vegetables. Well, doing the ordering on my phone I screwed it up and ordered two skillets and two steamers. Oops. It was unintentional and I did a chat and they said I can return a skillet and steamer and they wouldn't charge me for returning and gave me a return label. Still thinking about returning it. But I'm off topic.
As I pulled the first skillet out of the box and hubby asked what it was (again) and I said "It's my skillet I bought for myself." Then he goes (now, don't laugh like I did!!) "What do you mean YOUR skillet? It is OUR skillet!!" Yeah, I chuckled on that one. I looked at him and said, "And when do you do any cooking? Therefore, it is MY skillet that I bought for MYSELF!" I did hold back and didn't say "and I bought with MY money!" LOL He has really gotten bad at this lately to where if I'm talking to someone and say something like "my son" or "My daughter" (or any relative) - he will immediately 'correct' me and say, OUR son, or OUR daughter or OUR...... It is almost like the person I was speaking about above.... .needs self-affirmation. Which is why I think he likes being president of the HOA. Although I did have to chide him the other day. This is the second month he has not attended the community gathering that meets in the back once a month. I told him that since he was president of the HOA, he did need to attend these meetings. "Yeah, I know" was his response. He wants the title and the affirmations, but not the duties. Does that make sense?
Not putting him down... many of us do it too, including me. I like being affirmed in the things I do. But I don't do it for recognition, at least not always. It's like the preaching that I do at the RV parks. I don't do it for the money, nor do I do it to be recognized. I'm nothing. I do it to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and His saving grace to others. Nothing more. It's not about me.
Maybe we all need to start affirming other people in the things that we do. Like Administrative Professional Day was a week or so ago. If I was in the office, I would get lots of fun and nice gifts. Since remote, and because it is easier, two of my bosses sent me a huge bouquet of flowers with a note of thanks. One didn't even acknowledge it. Another sent me a $20 certificate for Amazon. THAT I use! LOL Two of my bosses sent me messages of appreciation. But it felt good for them to realize all that I do for them. In fact, my male boss had given me a lot of tedious work to do (including contracts) and when he told me "Happy Administrative Professional Day" I told him he needed to say it numerous times during the day because of the work he gave me. And he did.
So why don't we all step back in our thoughts and think of those whom we can affirm today?
How about we affirm those who are working to support us; those who do the grocery shopping; those who keep the house clean; those who are that friend when you need one; the one who listens to you and lets you talk without giving their opinion; the one who loves you. And that includes your children, your spouse, and anyone else you meet.
What about that cashier that rings up your groceries? I've often seen people berate and argue with the cashier and they patiently listen and politely respond of often unreasonable requests. When I get up to them, I tell the cashier, "I noticed your patience with that customer. Thank you for being kind." They often are surprised and they will say "Thank you for noticing."
Sometimes we all need a bit of affirmation. So with that, I will say, "Thank you for reading this blog that is full of my personal struggles; and I hope that you learn from my mistakes, and learn something about the love that Jesus has for you. I want this to be all about Him, so forgive my ramblings, overlook my frustrations, and know that you are appreciated."
Blessings!
