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Caregiving for my parents
Babysitting my grandchild
Being involved (as an encourager) with my children
Checking on my friends
Dealing with a few “toxic” people and trying hard not to get hurt again
Making sure there is time in my day for a relationship with Jesus
Oh…and yes…..finding time to pursue what I believe to be my “God-given talent”[/box]
Any one of those could push me or you to the point of anger. Anger that my own needs aren’t being met. Anger just because I want circumstances to go one way and instead “someone else” is pushing them in the opposite direction. Anger because I’m exhausted. Anger because I am “forced” to do for others instead of myself. (Yep…a little selfishness is in all of us.)
And then I hear the soft voice of Jesus. “Do what’s right. Do it anyway.”
To get through the last two years of stress I often visit a store in Amish Country. P. Graham Dunn is a devout Christian and has built a huge business based on scripture and encouraging statements. He carves scriptures, poems and quotes into wood using lasers. He carves hymns into huge blocks of wood. It’s inspiring to see the spirit and breath of our faith carved into something as concrete as wood.
I’ve displayed his carvings around my house in order to help me move forward. I think it’s important to read the Bible, have devotions and keep your faith alive. An equally important part of this Christian journey is to have triggers of faith that interrupt your daily life. Things that will catch your eye and inspire you in that moment.
A picture on my bedroom wall greets me the moment I wake. Jesus is walking on the water and the caption says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” Isaiah 43:2
Another carving faces my pillow. “Divine Guidance” I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8
Yesterday I was struggling with my own desires and I stopped in the hallway to read the following poem. If you feel cheated, overloaded or frustrated with life…..I hope this inspires you to trust the savior and keep moving forward.
Anyway
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered – forgive them anyway.
If you are kind people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives – be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; – succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank people may cheat you; – be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; – build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; – be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; – do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; – give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it was never between you and them – anyway.
Ponder that last line for a moment…..
You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; – it was never between you and them – anyway.