Ya know, I ain't perfect, but I think I am getting closer to it every day. Just an observation. I am not bragging. If you knew where my head was at 35 years ago and how hard it was for the Lord to get me to this place in my life, you would believe in miracles. I know I do.
My Grandpa would say, "it's no miracle Jeff. You are just getting old. Growing up."
To which I would say...
"Gramps, why did it take so long and shouldn't I be done by now?"
Apparently I am not done. Just the very minute I start feeling good about myself, something happens. You know what I'm talking about; it's those tests and trials that James says we are supposed to consider a pure joy.
I have trouble with that, even after the fact - even when I get a passing grade.
Growing pains are rough.
To make it work for me I like to read Colossians 3:12-17.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
That's the key isn't it?
I'm thinking so.
Lord, I love you. Thanks for yet another day of life. Thanks for a good report from Dad's doctor today. Thanks for the extra help at work. Lord, for awhile there, I thought I was under attack. Things with work and with Dad kept getting ratcheted up. I was looking for the evil one to pop out from behind the curtains at any time, but you got me through it. Work was really awful, but you got me through it. So, now on to the next test I guess. Hope I can consider it a pure joy...and when I say that, I am not asking for an opportunity to practice. I just wanted to be sure we were both on the same page with that.
Lord, I'm going to work now. Please watch over Dad today. Please keep him off ladders and ice and help him to be mindful of the date. His sense of time is about shot. I suppose that has it's advantages, but it's also kind of disconcerting. You know what I'm saying.
Say 'Hi' to Mom for me and if she's watching me, tell her to quit laughing.
I'm feeling the Peace today. It's good.
In Your Name Lord..Amen
