Oh how true is that title! I spent many months fighting Him on that one and then when I realized that no amount of fighting would make it easier - or make the changes stop - I learned to stop fighting so hard. The only thing I haven't quite figured out is how to change gracefully. No matter what is going on and no matter how much I want to make sure I don't "get in the way" or say hurtful (and usually REALLY stupid) things in the process, it never fails I put my foot in it somehow.One thing is for sure - in that last paragraph, I am REALLY thankful God doesn't just drop me, telling me I'm just too much trouble. No matter how lost or foolish I get, He is right there - welcoming me with open and loving arms. Always.
Another aspect of change I am incredibly grateful for is the opportunity to "clean house." Have I started considering the unimportant important? Have I lost sight of what truly matters in life? Am I focused on "things" instead of God? Have I begun to take the people He has placed in my life for granted? Am I treating them the way I should? Am I loving, patient and kind or am I impatient, pushy and short-tempered? How am I handling the stress - am I handing it to God or am I stewing in it, allowing it to handle me?
The last couple of weeks have seen some major upheaval in my life. Indirectly, though. I am not the one diagnosed with cancer, my mother is. I am not the person fighting a life-threatening infection, my co-worker/friend is. The effect on my life, though, is direct and how have I been handling it? Not as well as I could, for sure, however...better than I've handled things in the past. My reaction is go to prayer - not to anger (most of the time - I've slipped once so far...). My reaction is to go to prayer - not frustration and despair because I "just can't do it all." My reaction is to just let things go and realize if they don't happen or get done, it's not the end of the world.
The small changes that come with everyday life can be considered gifts - preparation for the big changes because the big changes will come. Today I am thankful that God has refined me, pushed me, challenged me to live that as truth, not just theory. I am also thankful that He's not done with me yet and will continue to refine me, push me and challenge me.
What changes are you thankful for? Share them over at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.
5 comments:
I was shaking my head in agreement as I was reading, that's true that the small changes help prepare us for the big changes that are coming. Thanks for visiting today. Have a blessed evening!
Bethany
Hi Bonnie,
It is indeed not easy to know how to change gracefully. I am praying too that God will enable me to be humble and teachable, and day by day He will change me to be more like Him. There are so many things in my life that needs His continuing changing. I am so thankful for the wonderful work that He is doing in you daily. May you continue to find much joy in walking with Him. Yes, thank God that He didn't give up on us!
Thanks for sharing your thankful heart with us. Take care and have a blessed day!
God bless,
Nancie
This is such a great post.
Oh I can relate too! I've found myself to be going to prayers over a lot of the issues lately. What a change of the previous me who would be muddling over them and feeling so heavy about it. God bless you!
Wow Bonnie,
Girl, you and I are so alike. I relate to all you wrote.
I spent many months fighting Him on that one and then when I realized that no amount of fighting would make it easier - or make the changes stop -
It sure is a hard lesson but once we realize God is going to change us, it starts to make sense.
I love you girl... We will make it through and become beautiful in God's eyes in the process. How cool is that???
Hugs, Lynn
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