I've added a new book to my arsenal. It is called "Unglued" and is written by Lysa TerKeurst. She is the same author who wrote "Made to Crave". She's an excellent writer. I'd love to write inspiring books just like her one day. I know that I could reach people and touch them with my words. It's overwhelming to think about writing a book, thinking of all the work that goes into it, but it's also overwhelming in another sense, thinking of all of the lives I could change. I would love to help people, to know that I made a mark on the world, that my service to God didn't go unnoticed.
I read a passage from "Unglued" last night that I've been needing to hear. It goes like this..."I acknowledge that I can control only myself. I can't control how another person acts or reacts. Therefore, I shift my focus from trying to fix the other person and the situation to allowing God to reveal some tender truths to me...My job isn't to fix the difficult people in my life or enable them to continue disrespectful or abusive behaviors. My job is to be obedient to God in the way I act and respond to those people." It's as if I finally have permission to feel what I feel, that it's okay to feel let down by other people around me. It's okay to be disappointed and hurt by others, but I must remember that I can't control those people or change them for the better. BUT, I can change me and my perspective.
Last night at our ladies Bible study, I received what I thought to be an amazing compliment. We have a workbook that we do lessons in individually, and then we come together and discuss our responses and get insight from one another. I had just shared my thoughts about one of the points in our lesson, and one of my friends looked at me with a smile on her face and said, "You're really good...at changing your perspective." At first it caught me off-guard, and I really had to think about what that meant. There's nothing I love more than comforting someone and showing them that they matter to me. I think that requires changing my perspective, being able to see a situation through their eyes, to walk in their shoes. All I've ever wanted to be in this life is someone that other people can count on, and if I'm really good at changing my perspective, that must mean that I'm doing what I desire.
Changing my perspective is something I've been working really hard on when it comes to stressful and annoying situations as well. It's so much easier to keep a clear conscience when I react to those situations in a Godly manner. It's amazing to me how God has just jumped right in where I left room for Him to help me with this flaw I have. It's very encouraging to know that He will help me through anything if only I let Him. Everything is suddenly more enjoyable and exciting. Even when the days are long and my tiredness keeps me from feeling my cheeriest, I can switch my perspective to see the blessings that I have in my life, to focus on the love of my wonderful husband, and his only desire for me...just for me to be happy.
I pray that those of you who might be reading are encouraged by my words, even if it's only to realize that you are not alone. Thank you for supporting me and loving me...even when I'm at my worst. I think God might lead me to write a book one day, but it will only be when the time is right, when I've got a complete story to tell, the kind with a rough beginning, struggles in the middle, and a happy ending!
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
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