 |
|---|
|
|---|
______________ ______________
|
Friday, July 13, 2007
I'd like to share with you something I read this week from the book I Can't Do It all! Breaking Free From the Lies That Control Us by authors Tracie Peterson, Allison Bottke, and Diane O'Brian. (This excerpt is written by O'Brian): "You see, I made the decision some years ago that I would spend my housekeeping time more profitably if I concentrated on things I did well- cleaning, organizing, sewing, washing, mowing, shoveling, ironing, mending, and repairing. Cooking wasn't my strong suit, so I kept that at a minimum. My family has been great about it. It's not like we live on fast food. We eat well even though I don't make big efforts in that direction. Realizing that it's not one of my gifts, I released myself from the expectation of being a great cook. We just don't have time to do everything with excellence. The sooner we learn that, the sooner we can break free from the lie." "We all must make our individual decisions based on God's leading for each of us. Not only should we not attempt to do it all, but we should not feel a sense of guilt when we can't do what others expect of us. Sometimes we put those expectations on ourselves. The truth is, many of our friends would trade a skill they have for one of ours." (emphasis added) We don't have to be good at it all. Sometimes good enough is good enough in certain areas. We can choose to focus on what we do best and release ourselves from unrealistic expectations. Let's lighten up on ourselves and be who God created and gifted us to be! God, thank you for the ways in which you have gifted me. Forgive me for envying the gifts of others. If there are any areas in which you want to grow or increase my gifts, I invite you to do so, for Your glory. But, help me not to neglect the gifts I have and waste the moments available for me to use them by spending unnecessary time feeling guilty or inadequate. I can do all things through Christ... all the good works You prepared in advance for me to do, with the set of gifts You have so graciously given me. Thank You, Father. Amen.  I'd love for you to visit my "good enough" personal blog, One Day More. Labels: Blogging, Contentment, Cyndi's Articles, Encouragement Leave a comment... 13 Comments Links to this post You know this woman. It is likely you have read her story so many times she no longer speaks to you. Perhaps you feel disconnected from her life circumstance. Her life is a distant problem and your life is a sharp contrast to everything she is. Let’s take another look. Possibly we will find we are not so different after all. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" His disciples had gone into the town to buy food. This woman, a Samaritan, is astonished to realize a Jewish man is speaking with her. The brilliance of Jesus in this scene blows my mind. Jesus crosses over the cultural barriers of the time. He still does this today. Jesus and the woman begin to talk about the ancient well and the water therein. He says to the woman, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Why did Jesus say this? We know from scripture she is divorced for the fifth time and currently living with a man who is not her husband. Do you think Jesus wanted to expose her guilt? I think, perhaps He wanted to expose her thirst. Jesus helps her to realize her attempts to find satisfaction have left her with an ever-growing thirstiness. Each marriage was a new taste of sweet wine. Each suspended her deep longing, at least for a time. In the end, each failed to quench her thirst and left her desiring ….something else. You and I are not so different from this woman. We also struggle with longing, restlessness, dissatisfaction, and yearning. Even though we know Jesus, we still can feel a restlessness rise up in us from time-to-time. If only I could loose a few pounds, I know I would be happy. If only I had a new home, I would finally be happy. If only my husband…. If only my mother-in-law….If only…If only….If only….. Jesus does not come to condemn us and riddle us with guilt. His desire is to help us realize our own hidden longings which keep us bound in knots. He wants to free us from dissatisfaction and give us a life of contentment. I am a visual learner with a vivid imagination. I hope you can imagine the following scene. Imagine yourself walking into your kitchen and there, standing by the sink is Jesus. He is wearing a white robe and holding a crystal clear glass of water. You stop in your tracks and stare, daring not to move. He smiles. You relax and return His gaze. He holds up the glass and speaks your name then says, “I have come to give you freedom today. Surrender to me your secret longing and I will give you a carefree day of glorious living. Drink up!”  Can we see ourselves in this story? Are we truly drinking the living, sustaining, satisfying water, or sneaking a sweet wine substitute? Let's take our longings before the throne, Jesus is waiting to meet us there. Please stop in for a visit at my place: Spiritually Unequal Marriage.  Labels: Contentment, Lynn's Articles Leave a comment... 4 Comments Links to this post
__________________________________________
|
The Internet Cafe is the team blog for Christian Women Online Magazine, "your daily dose of inspiration." It's a place to kick back, grab a virtual chair at our table, and allow God to fill your cup to running over. It's addictive, but only He can satisfy the craving of your soul.  Copy this code to link your site to The Internet Cafe
 ______________ 
______________
 Christian Women Online Blog Ring Join | List | Random ______________
_________________
|
CWO Cover
Bonnie Hooley
