When Bad Things Come to Those Who Wait

“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”   ... James 4:6

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So I'm 'YouTubing' episodes of Restaurant Impossible and sometimes Kitchen Nightmares. (I know, I know. Move on, right?). Yet the people on those shows fascinate me. 

I mean:

1.) Why didn't these restaurant owners make changes or reach for help before they were in debt by, like, $400,000 (or usually more)? 

2.) Why do the owners ask Robert Irvine for his team's advice, but then insist they're food-and-people-handling experts already?

3.) Why are their kitchens so dirty?

And I would ask why not just watch these shows, learn the valuable tips and implement them--but ok--they'd not get the free dining area makeover. So I'll let that slide. (Magnanimous of me, isn't it? heh)


Of course it's a cinch for the rest of us non-restaurateurs to snicker from our couch, "I would never act that way! Those people are just clueless, prideful, procrastinating dweebs."

But that's way too easy. The better way is to hold a mirror to ourselves and ask:


Do I ever let the laundry pile up until it takes days to wash and dry it?

Do I procrastinate paying bills until they're past due?

How often do I refuse to delegate because no one else will do the task the right way? (Then wonder why I'm tired/grumpy?)

Is my kitchen always clean?

Do I dump each day's mail in a huge pile rather than sort it quickly, easily when it arrives?

Have I ever put off exercising until I'm too heavy to work-out and lose the weight I've gained?

Are there any relationships I've neglected into non-existence?


Uh-oh.

A major reason I appreciate these 'reality shows' is that the second I begin judging anyone up there on the screen, God immediately zaps me. "What about you, Debra?" Zap! "How are you doing in those procrastinating/clueless areas?" Zap!

But oh my, the truth sets us free. Our peace deepens on the other side of those ouches and got-me's and, over the years, I've learned to appreciate every single humble-pie-eating one.

                        "The humble get the help."   ... Joyce Meyer





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"The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life."   ... Proverbs 22:4


“As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you.” 
― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes. -William James

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A Heart Renewed

Submerged

To Win Her Heart

Sixty Acres and a Bride

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A Change of Fortune

A Woman of Fortune

No Safe Harbor

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Made to Last

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Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.   ... Galations 6:4,5

When Passionate Peggys Make You Feel Like Bud The Dud

My good friend, Anne, a police officer, wrote a passionate blog post in honor of National Police Week. 

I read it today (here) and admired Anne, again, for her bravery. You've gotta have courage to stand against today's crowd, but there comes a time when you must speak lest you disobey God's nudging or lest your head explode.

Again, it's an impassioned piece and I hope you'll read it. Anne's perspective is an insider's informed one and doesn't resemble the status quo social-media-wise. 

Anyway. 

When I read passionate blog posts like Anne's about all sorts of other subjects, my head tends to droop mighty close to my keyboard. I've been known to mind-whine this stuff: "Gracious! I used to be quite the little Christian renegade trouble-stirrer. Where did that Debra go? Compared to this (fired-up) blogger, my posts sound like essays written by high school sophomores raised in a peaceful La La Land."

Of course, that's when the Holy Spirit lifts my head and lectures reminds me that:

My calling is unique. All callings are.
Whenever I compare myself to others, I'm being moronic. **
Satan loves to make us feel small. Unnecessary.
Strength is shown in varied ways. It never comes in one size fits all.
I could race around like a zealot starting fires, but they'll all fizzle out if not begun by God. If He asks me to bless 2 people, but I reach for 100, I'm disobeying Him. Only what's done for/by Him will last.


Well, He goes on, but I'll spare you. Usually He ends with a verse which explains an additional part of my purpose and today's?:



"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."   ... Romans 12:18



Wow. I had to smile because, yes--I do hope you leave here daily with a similar desire. May this blog help you grow in peace with God, with yourself and with others.

And honestly? In Today's stressed-out world, I'm thinking living at peace is a huge task. Perhaps my job here is downright gigantic after all.  :)

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**  "But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!"   ... 2 Corinthians 10:12


5 Surprising Ways Stress Wreaks Havoc On Your Health

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Let Them Eat Cake

Saving Sailor

Motherhood and Later Years

“The afternoon knows what the morning never suspected.” 
― Robert Frost

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Wondering where I've been? I was on Spring Break.

Oh, not the travel and swim, party and stay up late kind. No, the type where you step into your back yard and the green leaves on trees make you gasp, then hum the sentence, "It's the most wonderful time of the year," all sing-song-like. Because it is, you know-- the best time. All those months ahead of gorgeous weather!

Yes, last winter felt that long. 

Oh, green trees, sunshine and reading beside my flower beds! The older I become, the shorter my list of what brings great joy. Perhaps that's as it should be, especially as I find myself slowing down in body and mind, which might sound concerning, but isn't. When one slows her thoughts, her steps, she notices more, hurries and fumbles less, and walks within a certain grace of being led, rather than driven.

At least, these were my meditations at a yard sale yesterday after I bought 3 summer-colored, like-new nightgowns and a purple top. The old Debra would have felt rushed to pay for her armful of purchases, struggled with the clasp of her change purse, hurriedly counted her money. But new-yet-older Debra took her time, methodically handed everything over then walked in warm sunlight to the car with her simple $4 bag of treasures, smiling gratefully.

Some people fear aging's slowing down, but not this person. She's free from thinking (or reacting) as others do and enjoying this calmer side, catching-up on all she missed over in those rushed, must-prove-something years. Over here, she's done what she's done, it speaks for itself (for good or bad), it is what it is. The Past has passed and what she's becoming today matters most.

Over here, Life feels simpler and so much richer. Yes, even with 55 years behind it.

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Happy Mother's Day!

Motherhood whisks us into a whole other realm, a club of sorts, where we understand other mothers and children with new, kindred compassion. Nothing else stretches, humbles and recreates our hearts the same way and I'd not have missed that adventure for anything!

“Before I got married I had six theories about raising children; now, I have six children and no theories.” 
― John Wilmot

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Did you read the Kindle book, One Lane Bridge, from one of my free lists? I couldn't put it down last week and still it rolls my brain around with its time travel/mystery/old house story.

Though it's no longer free, it's only .99 cents and still a bargain. (Don't read the Amazon comments first. Sheesh. Often I wonder, "Just what do people want?")





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Free Kindle books:


When a Mother Follows Christ

A New Start


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