It has been a pleasure to spend time with my granddaughter. I am learning that simple discoveries are the sweetest moments. As she picked her first strawberry ever in her life, she wanted to just sit down, watch the birds, and taste her pretty little find. As I watched her I thought that even though she doesn't know it, she has literally tasted the goodness of God. She tasted one of the MANY fruits of His generous love.
As I watch our sweet Ember come alive in simple bliss, these words resonate with me...
JOY IS AN ATTITUDE CHOICE
There are a million things that haven't worked out "like they were supposed to," but the more I think of my gracious and generous King my heart and mind shift. I'm not talking about diving into a fruity version of God that has painted flowers and rainbows all over my life, complementing my desires. NO! I am talking about a faithful God that is relentless in pursuing me in order to save me from myself, making me holy as He is holy.
I'm also talking about Jesus who is interested in my details enough to weep with me, intercede, and advocate before the Father for me, who then instructs the Holy Spirit on how to lead and guide my heart...Again..making me holy as He is holy.
In our pursuit for strength, we have misunderstood meekness for weakness. And because strength is our idol we lose our joy in the simple things and consequently in the holiness of God. Maybe that's just me but I want to pursue joy over strength and control by getting better at displaying my weakness before my family.
We can display for them the joy of knowing that you are always in the presence of the Great I Am, and what it’s like knowing that Jesus, in all of His perfect, unwavering love, is always interceding and advocating for you!!
Say I’m sorry. Admit your wrong. Let your husband have the final say. Don’t flip out over the stuff that doesn’t really matter. Don’t idolize your body... constantly talking about how fat you feel. Don’t fixate on how much better work would be if your co-workers weren’t so “stupid”. Stop trash talking other drivers or service workers. Don’t laugh at the dirty jokes, and be brave enough to turn off the show that doesn’t glorify God. Make church a non-negotiable part of your family life...to make it more important than your passions and past times. Teach your family by example that Bible study, prayer, and quiet consideration of God's love is where true joy is found. Slow down. Put the devices away. Eat the strawberries. Watch the birds.Taste and see that God HAS ALWAYS BEEN GOOD!
Pastor and author Charles Swindoll said...
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, at home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude… I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…you are in charge of your attitude”
"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." Psalm 34:4-8
"I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous [BE OF GOOD CHEER]. Wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:13-14
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