Only ten miles from home and taking the last few curves of the road, I had my evening planned. It included no people; no trips; no meetings; no commitments for the next 18 hours. My goal was to shower and crawl into my own beautiful bed. I had used all my words.
In my state of exhaustion, my daydreaming was interrupted by a phone call from the love of my life, which led to a comment that did not agree with me. I did not want to deal with the ministry need Terry brought to my attention. Discouragement began to dig its way into my attitude.
So what did I do? Like a mature adult, I hung up the phone on my man (during the middle of his sentence no less) and drove past my house to a local bakery. I ordered a triple chocolate cookie the size of my face (well, almost) and shamelessly enjoyed every bite while ignoring Terry’s repeated calls . . .
Not my finest moment, I know.
But pleeeeease tell me you have done something similar. Do you ever try to replace your disappointments with a shallow alternative? Have you ever wanted to run from ‘life,’ even if it is for a few minutes? Do you ever take your disappointments out on the one you love most?
If you are like me and say yes, here are some truths we both can move toward:
I can choose to live fully engaged walking with my Savior or try to run toward a false quick fix. I suggest the first. I have had periods in my life where I have tried both alternatives. Living life fully focused even with its ups and downs brings a better tomorrow. Running to a shallow temporary fix such as comfort food, a drink, a shopping trip, a vacay, a tv show will leave one empty; and full of unsolved disappointments or problems. False escapes do not resolve the issue at hand. Facing the problem, with wisdom and integrity, and with the strength of the Lord, brings long term restitution. When you are tired and discouraged, choose to live fully focused with Christ at your side. Jesus said in John, “I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 (NIV) If you are working on a project at work, jump all in. If you are caring for little ones, recognize each moment, and live focused with your mind and your heart. If you are worried about your rebellious teenager, stay mentally engaged in difficult discussions. Am I saying never to eat a cookie? Of course not, but comfort food does not solve the problem. Living fully engaged with a positive attitude will go along way in life’s ups and downs. Cookies and such are for rewards; not escapes. True happiness is not found in a piece of cake or cookie but found in the peace of Christ. Stay close to the Savior thru the valleys.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23 (NIV)
Secondly, I must learn to Roll with It. Life is never perfect. Most of the time, we need to let go of our plan and roll with disappointments tossed our way. Life is too short to get stuck in the trap of thinking our plan is the perfect plan. Often God’s best plan is for me to grow in character from the disappointments of life. When certain events are out of my control, I have to remind myself that God is God, and I am not. He is sovereign. When my plan does not unfold, I can trust that good things will unfold in His best plan. I love Zig Ziglar’s quote, “Those who leave everything in God’s hands will eventually see God’s hands in everything. I choose to trust God and live fully engaged. My life verse is “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct their paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
You will be happy to know that I did eventually call my husband back. I did drive home, and after a time of repair, I crawled into my bed for a long rest. I did face the ministry need Terry brought to my attention with grace and accomplishment.
What about you? Where do you need to be fully engaged? What area of life do you want to live today with your heart and mind? Where can you embrace a new plan, even if it is not your plan? Wherever you are in the journey, stay close to the Savior. Trust me, long term Peace is not found in a Piece of cake (or a cookie) or hanging up on the love of your life!
“You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11
