My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have [its] perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4
God is teaching me patience and flexibility, or at least I think that is the goal. I must admit I wish it wasn't such a tediously trying process. It would be so much easier if I could just open my mouth and swallow it rather than have it worked into my life a little bit at a time. So often I want to run off and do my own thing. I don't especially desire to put the wants and needs of others above my own, and I certainly don't wish to be "inconvenienced" by the unpredictable schedules of those around me. I want to know what is going on and I don't want the itinerary changed, but God, in His wisdom, has another plan, a plan to mould and shape me into His image. It is not my job to fight and resist, rather to become soft and pliable in His hand. He is the Master. He knows what is best.So today the sun shines and, while I would have preferred to go off galavanting, I am here at home where God wants me to be. Why He wants me here I do not know, but I do know He wants me to accept what I have and be content. Ben and Hannah are out raking the yard and am about to continue the quest to clear out the dust bunnies that have multiplied under and behind the furniture during the winter. All this has absolutely nothing to do with the photo unless you stop to consider that not all of life is "smooth sailing". Storms and trials are a must if I am to become more like Jesus. Maybe one day I will feel such a calm in the mist of the crashing waves that I too will have the peace to sleep through the storm.
Today my plans were totally rearranged. I did not take any small children to feed birds at the bay, I didn't go out for a ride in the sunshine or visit one of my sisters, and I did not make it out to the nice little German restaurant in Canandaigua. In spite of the changes my day was calm and peaceful. Sara and Alysa were here until about 1 pm when their Grandma came to get them, James took my van out for the afternoon, and we spent the evening helping some friends move. Not my plans but a good day none the less. :)
ReplyDeleteMartha, I can't say I always understand what you are talking about, but you are always interesting! Hope you get to have more fun feeding the birds and eating out soon, patience! Summer will be here before you know it. And with your great rural home, maybe your sisters will make their way out to you more often! I sure would if I lived up there, if I could find you home at least! Love ya!
ReplyDeleteI love your thoughts... I thought about using them for a Sunday Meditation.... You have a real knack for saying just the right thing. I love how you take your everyday experiences and turn them into Applications for the Day!
ReplyDeleteThanks!!
Love and Hugs
Wanda
I am not feeling the least bit patient or flexible today. This month.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lift.