I don't really know how to start this other than to say...my priorities have been all wrong. I've had three experiences today that shook me up...brought me to me knees.
Have you read this? If not you should. Today is the birthday of Marsha's little boy that went to heaven last year. I remember hearing the news and was bowled over with this new journey the Lord would take their family on. Marsha, so full of love and grace has given God the glory in all of this. Could I do the same if I were given this situation? I just don't know.
Then I read Melissa's blog. Her dreams of Happily Ever After came to a screeching halt. Dreams, hopes and a life she wished for has drastically changed. Yet, she chooses to give God glory and honor and cling to him and bring her children to his throne while they adjust to a life she never imagined.
I've been thinking about this all day. I knew the Lord wanted me to read and focus on these women today. What lesson was I going to learn from their example?
I was just sharing with a friend all my selfish wants and desires for this and that (ok, a TV, furniture, area rug, paint on the walls etc.) all before Thanksgiving. Frankly, I have been too focused on this. So much that decorating magazines and blogs have monopolized all my free and not so free time. I'm not saying it is wrong to nest, and fix up your home, and want it to look nice. In fact, those are all good things, unless it becomes all consuming, you become grumpy, agitated and unhappy because things are exactly they way you think they should be. The word idol comes to mind. My house has become my idol. I've spent a year and a half waiting to get into this house. I've dreamed and imagined what it would look like, how I would fix it up and decorate it.
The Lord took care of us and showed himself in amazing ways through it all. And now I feel like I've let him down. Instead of being thankful I've been wishing upon a star, wanting more and more. Shame on me. Well, I'm done with that. I want to be an example to my children and my family and friends of someone who loves God, puts him first and gives him all the glory. In essence I want to be like Marsha and Melissa. Praise God for women like these to show me where I am steering off the narrow path.
Please go read their stories, and give them an encouraging word.
I leave you with this:
Thursday, November 12, 2009
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7 comments:
Dearest Susan!
Thank you so much for your care and concern, prayers and friendship!
Keep your eyes firmly focused on Christ and you will have the desires of your heart! How's that coming from a woman whose husband has deserted her!?! The thing is that through this journey, and through clinging to Him, my desires have changed. You think you've got idols??? I've had idols. One of the worst: another person! Unfortunately, it took this drastic situation for me to recognize my state. God is soooo good. I know it. Marsha knows it. And you know it!
You are so talented and have such lovely girls. Just keep on glorifying the Lord! You are a blessing!! You are one of the few that has kept up with me during these many months and IT MATTERS! Thank you! Many blessings to you today! :)
Your friend in Christ,
Melissa
PS DON'T you DARE say we may never meet! I rebuke that!! :)
It's amazing how God uses events to poke you in the brain and go "Hey! Pay attention to me! You don't need this!"
I've sent many prayers out for all of you.
How easily we can lose focus. Thankfully, He keeps speaking to us and wooing us back. Praise the Lord and His Holy Spirit that we hear. The Lord certainly spoke to me today through your blog!
Thank you!
Jennifer :)
Susan, thank you for being so honest. God never ceases to clearly show me the areas of weakness in my life. God never promised us that we would live an easy life after choosing to follow Jesus. We face the same temptations of life as a believer, but we have God's Spirit there to help us navigate through them. Again, thanks for sharing. It inspires me to think on the idols in my life and how I need to let them go.
Oh Suz...thanks for the reminder and great video to back it up! I have been delibrately resting in God's hands for quite some time... with the moving and His provisions with a job, housing, friends, etc. and I am continually amazed at how He cares even for the details and grants me peace in the midst of limbo. I get teary just thinking of the journey thus far. But I'm sorry if I ever get you off track by my desire to help you in areas of decor. I will be praying for you if you will be praying for us in our quest for a home and God's will in all areas of our lives. I love you my dear friend! Now let's get you on skype!!!!! ~Jodi
marsha's post was so moving. going to read melissa's now.
thank you susan. thank you for walking this road with me and for praying for me.
i can't wait to see you tomorrow and give you a giant hug! you are a blessing to me.
and i'm glad that God has brought us together as friends-- even if it is weird internet friends! :)
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