I've learned that God always does things for my good. I may not understand it now, but somehow whatever He takes me through is designed to draw me closer to Him and make me more like Him.
God's grace is suffient for each trial. He gives His grace to each person as he or she needs it. Not more than we need. Not less than we need. Just perfectly sufficient for our needs. He does not give me the grace that you need. He gives me exactly what I need.
Every small task done for Christ's glory is greater than any large task done for people's approval. (A note of clarification: I genuinely don't mean for this to sound like I'm blowing my own horn, but I'm sure it will come acros that way. If it does, my apologies.) I was recently asked how active Scott & I are in our local church. Honestly, several things came to mind, but then, I couldn't think of anything else. This really bothered me, especially since the discussion was with other people who are Sunday school/youth group leaders. I actually almost felt embarrassed. I knew I did more in my church, but I couldn't think of what it was. I actually felt like less of a Christian for a moment. Then it hit me. It may come as a shock to some people, but I'm more of a behind-the-scenes kinda person. Sure. I enjoy trying to make other people laugh just as much as the next person, but I really feel most comfortable when people don't notice me. Maybe it stems from poor self-esteem or something. :) Anyway, as I pondered the things that we do behind-the-scenes that sometimes nobody else sees, it dawned on me that God looks on my acts of service behind closed doors just as He does to the up-front leaders of the church. As long as it is all done for His glory, my standing before Him is righteousness, just as it is for others. There is no need for shame at not being able to have a laundry list of things that people notice. As long as God is glorified in me, that's all that matters.
I have found renewed gratitude for Christ's sacrifice on my behalf. It's amazing. When I ponder all that His crucifixion meant for Himself and me, how can I go on acting the way I do. It is a powerful, life-changing reality. It's amazing how easy it is to live indifferent to Christ's unfathomable love. Growing up in a sound, gospel-preaching church and hearing how Christ loved me and died for me and then rose for me was a wonderful experience. I wouldn't change it for the world. However, I think I grew calloused to those facts. Yes, I was grateful for His sacrifice, and yes, I knew that out of love for Him, I didn't act like the world. But until I understood the profound gravity of my seemingly "innocent" sins and then the weight of His profound love for me, it's easy to glide on through life, living carelessly.
To save me from re-writing a lot of this stuff, I'm going to link some of my older posts. (Hey, I have a house to clean before a party tonight.)
I've learned it's never too often to tell someone you love them.
I've learned a renewed imperative reason to never go to bed angry. Never leave your "combatant's" side until everything is resolved. You never know when you will be forced to say goodbye to your loved one. True, you can't live life in a "what if" state of mind, and I know there will always be regrets, but there's nothing wrong with trying to minimize them.
On a much lighter note, I've learned to not put anything non-oven-safe, especially plastic, in the oven, even for storage.
I've learned that time is going so much faster than what I remember it when I was a kid. The kids are growing up so quickly. It's hard to believe that I'm almost the parent of a school-age child.
I've learned that I forgot how much I love living in a state that you don't have to pay a deposit for pop bottles. :)
I've learned to try to enjoy each day as it happens.
I've learned that it's ok for the kids to get filthy when they're playing. Life is washable.
I've learned that I'm far from being what I ought to be.
I've learned that die-hard couponers aren't nerds. :) I'm talking about you, Jackie. :) When you see someone with a minimum of one, if not more, 3 inch binder full of coupons, step back and give them what they want. Besides, maybe if you're kind to them, and you stalk them around the store until they check out, they may give you the item for the price they paid (usually less than 25 cents). And, just because you see 2 men couponing at the same time, it doesn't automatically mean they are of a different sexual orientation.
I've learned that people who dig graves by hand have insane stories. Usually, they'll make you throw up, but they can be pretty funny, too.
I've learned that an eliptical isn't always necessarily easier on your back than a treadmill. (Still paying that price.)
I've learned that arrainging furniture with a weak back isn't always the smartest idea. :)
I've learned that wearing a sleeveless dress in single-digit temperatures is REALLY cold.
I've learned that if you whine about not having snow for Christmas long enough, the Lord has the sense of humor to dump a good foot of snow on you within a couple days. (Sorry to everyone that had to suffer through the snow storm on our behalf. For the record, though, it was worth it. :) )
Well, I think I could go on, but there's a house to clean, laundry to put away (guess how many loads of laundry it takes to recover from a 9-day "vacation"), and food to prepare. Don't worry. I'll resume with pictures once the new year starts. I have a minimum of 12 folders to post. It's going to be a busy new year. In case I don't talk to you before then (which, quite frankly, if you're not the Burkes, Scott, or possibly my mom, then I won't), have a great New Year's. I hope you have a good year full of lessons that God will teach you about Himself.
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