I\u2019m here at my office desk typing this blog. My morning ritual is in progress. Wake up (thank God, I woke up), head to my office, look over my blog written yesterday with a fresh perspective, make necessary changes and publish on Facebook, Instagram, and my two blog sites. I look at my desk cluttered with papers, coupons, bills to pay, mail I haven\u2019t opened and garage sale supplies (yes, I\u2019m having a garage sale with my community this weekend \u2013 what a work-out that is). Please, God, don\u2019t judge me on messiness or whininess today! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have a lot on my plate today \u2013 some God things, but mostly Me things. I hear a voice in my head telling me what I do doesn\u2019t really matter. It\u2019s small stuff compared to others who are juggling way more than I am. And, not having all the responsibility that comes with raising a family, I still feel a bit overwhelmed today with \u201cto-do\u2019s\u201d, meetings to determine if I should take that new ministry position, this garage sale, my volunteer job, and other commitments. But, does it all matter anyway? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s likely the opposing team, the enemy of my heart, that is causing this inner turmoil AND this whininess. He tries to make me feel insignificant and under-qualified. He plays a number on me. I recall a couple of days ago when my granddaughter had to let her brother use her car. She said: \u201cI sure miss my car!\u201d I replied \u201cI sure miss Papa!\u201d It put things in perspective for her and reality to me. I really do miss him when I could use his arm around my shoulder, snuggle me close into him, cheer me on and remind me \u201cI\u2019m here for you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A bad movie is playing in my mind: \u201cYou should throw in the towel and coast. You\u2019ve earned the rest. You should sit back and let God use others. What you do doesn’t really matter anyway. You should stop right now”. Then into this space of doubt and anxiety, I hear God\u2019s voice telling me I\u2019m not alone in this \u201clife\u201d thing. He\u2019s right here with me, always, still saying, \u201cI will never leave you or forsake you\u201d (Hebrews 13:5). And this too: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you\u201d (Deuteronomy 31:6). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If we are showing up to serve our Maker, if we are seeking to follow Him, and there is someone or some-thing trying to push us away, then we can be sure it is not God. He is not saying we are disqualified. He\u2019s not hollering \u201cshape up or ship out.\u201d His instruction isn\u2019t, \u201cCome back when you\u2019ve got it together.\u201d Instead His invitation is, \u201cCome to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest\u201d (Matthew 11:28).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As I take hold of this truth today, my shoulders relax, my breath slows. I settle into my comfy office chair that has become a place of simple, enlightening, beautiful grace. I start typing this blog again \u2013 perhaps the words are more for me than you. I push the POST button and trust that there is someone besides me who needs an encouraging word that helps them know, they are not alone either. That whatever happens in this day and whatever we say and do, we will still have God by our side and on our side at the end of the day, telling us “You are enough!”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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