A month ago a friend asked how we are doing as a family. In my feeling good moment I kept on sharing that it’s been great to have a break from our dramatic events of last year.
Our health? We are eating right, managing our oldest’ blood sugar readings well, hon is taking his medication. Our girls? Doing great. We’re getting the hang of being better parents. We’re strict with sinful behaviour, but very loving.
I felt energetic and finally in control of our messy life.
Sooner than later, I was reminded of how not in control I am. In the last two weeks…
Our health? Doctors suggested that my husband needs to do a coronary angiogram (Optimistic as I am at times, my mind ran to the worst case scenario risks: heart attack, stroke, bleeding…). Our oldest suddenly started having out of control blood sugar readings, possibly because of all the growing she’s doing (that I never did).
Parenting wise? Hmm.. not feeling so wise any more when daily we struggle with stamping feet, incessant arguing, and more.
To make it a little more interesting, hon and I were supposed to be traveling to Israel for a conference. Because of a set of circumstances, we had to cancel last minute. Bummer! (It’s the fifth canceled trip in the last two years.) Cherry on top of a cake- I was involved in a minor accident. Praise God no one got hurt… just my feelings. I became weary very quickly. And all the energy I had a month ago, melted away like the snow on a hot day.
Back on my knees.
God wants for me to trust Him in the ‘fine and dandy’ times, just as much as in the unpleasant times. One thing I’m certain of is that He wants for me to give Him the credit when I am soaring on wings like eagles, not to try and raise my own glory, impressing others of what a great job I am doing. I have omitted giving Him the full glory. I’m sure in my spiritual nature, I said somewhere ‘Praise God!’. In our culture, everyone says ‘Praise God’ as part of their vocab.
I’m not taking this minor set back as a punishment from God. But it has a way of bringing me where I need to be, spiritually. I felt too pumped up that I can do it all. I got fast deflated like a poked balloon, showing me that I can’t. It’s not about me. It’s all about Jesus.
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” 1 Corinthians 10:12
When there’s something good happening in our life, it’s so easy to say a quick thanks to God. In our feeling generous we might even send Him an emoji ❤️️. Then we expect for God to give us a pat on the back as if it’s our own merit and ? .
Instead we need to acknowledge God’s grace, goodness and generosity we didn’t deserve. We need to give proper credit to whom it is due.
When work is great- it’s not because we’re so talented. It’s God’s grace.
When kids are well behaved – it’s not because we’re so wise. It’s God’s grace.
When health is ship-shape- it’s not because we’re so disciplined. It’s God’s grace.
When all is good even if I am not, it’s God’s grace.
At different seasons in life I have a certain verse and song that I cling to as my motto. My verse at the moment is Psalm 16:2 “You are my Lord, apart from You I have no good thing.
In the movie ‘You’ve Got Mail’ Frank tells Kathleen: “YOU, are a lone reed. You are a lone reed, standing tall, waving boldly in the corrupt sands of commerce.” Kathleen ponders on that thought repeating to herself “I am a lone reed..”
We don’t have to be a lone reed, we can’t stand tall on our own for very long. Apart from Christ I have no good thing in me. If there’s anything praise-worthy in my life, it’s ALL God!
Things I need to work on:
- Give God the credit for anything great in my life.
- When I’m pumped up, remind myself that apart from God I’ve got no good thing in me.
- When I’m weary, relax on my knees, in prayer.