As I begin this new
journey of returning to school, I am learning more than I ever imagined. I would like to share a couple lessons learned
since August. . .
*Perfection is
overrated! This one hit hard within the first week of
school. Funny how one letter of the
alphabet ranks high in defining my worth.
As I received the quiz back, the score screamed poor preparation, lack
of knowledge and failure. My thoughts
honed in on these lies, leading to doubt and lack of confidence in the decision
made to return to school. I pulled from
all the Scriptures in my mind and began fighting these lies. I worked so hard at this the remainder of
class (3 hours). I left school that day
with tears streaming down my face. I felt
defeated. I reached my arms to God and
asked why I feel this need to be so perfect.
If perfection were not my enemy, I could move on, pick myself up and try
harder on the next quiz. As I arrived
home to a husband who already received the warning of my terrible experience
via text message, he provided just what I needed – a hug. He comforted and loved me through this
moment. Was this a loving, caring and
awesome husband – YES; but, even more, this was a man saying yes to God and
serving Him by loving and comforting his wife.
God knew what I needed and provided.
My children did the same. Come to
find out, that failing grade did not rank me any less of a mother or wife. My three angels still loved me and thought
nothing less of me. More importantly,
God did not think any less of me. He simply
said, give this experience to me and I will work all things out for your
good. I hate to admit this one, but that
lovely letter in the alphabet appeared again.
I knew exactly what to do this time around. See, God brings us through all trials and makes
us stronger with each one. He thinks
nothing less of us when we do not measure up to society’s ideas of a “good,
successful person”. Striving for
perfection steals so much joy and we lose sight of our Leader. We work ourselves toward destruction, try to
accomplish our goals with society’s standards in mind and end up less than
perfect anyway. So, I have learned to
reach up, let go and surrender. It is
much easier to be a child of God and know who I am rather than beat myself up
trying to be who I am not. Satan will
continue his lies, attempting to dominate my thoughts by showing up in every
situation attempting to defeat Truth.
Guess what! That liar cannot win
against Truth. Fill yourselves daily
with Truth and be ready, arming yourselves fully with spiritual armor provided
by our God. What Satan means for harm;
God will turn to good!
“You intended
to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done,
the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20)
*My daily
schedule must be given to God. Early in the semester, I made out my
itinerary, planned all my study time, set up babysitters to help and worked
hard at keeping to the schedule. Didn’t
work so well for me. Come to find out
there are only 24 hours in one day and my schedule consisted of about 36 hours
of “things” to accomplish. I am no math
wizard, but I don’t think that equation works.
I went to bed later and woke up even earlier to try and fit in more
study time, tending to the house, completing needed errands, etc. There was never enough time. I came to the realization that one piece of
the puzzle remained vacant! I quit
spending my time with God in the morning.
Yes, I said my prayers, looked at my Scriptures throughout the day and
worshipped in song while in the car; but, I was not studying His Word,
listening for direction or giving my time to Him. I was pleading for success, ignoring Him when
I failed and presenting MY itinerary to Him. This led to an irritable, frustrated and ugly
woman filled with stress. I decided to escape
the crazy cycle and surrender my days to Him.
I slept more, gave my first moments of the day to Him and received
HIS itinerary for the day. What a
release. I found time to play with my
children, spend time with my husband and study as well. My eyes focused back on the reason God gave
me life. I am not here to get straight
A’s in college, be superwoman or be free of any troubles. . .I am here to serve
God. My days run much smoother now that
I work from His itinerary not mine.
“Commit
to the Lord whatever you
do,
and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)
and he will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)
“Many
are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21)
God is our ultimate
provider and we are His children here to serve Him each living moment given to
us. Perfection is unobtainable. We cannot live up to the world’s standards
and survive spiritually. God’s grace,
love, comfort and glory shine through our flaws and failures. Be His servant and find worth in Him. OUR itinerary and plans will fall short. Seek His plan and follow the path laid for
your life. The road is much smoother.
Keep praying harder
than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
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