Tara looked around her at the cluttered books, magazines, and knickknacks that adorned the shelves. Her home had a lived-in feel that came with a husband, children, and pets. She would never have the perfectly clean house Tara always thought she would.
In fact, the home they were in was a rental, and the kids had to share small rooms; for now, it was the best they could afford.
There was a time when she dreamed of a pretty brick home that sat on the corner lot with a white picket fence, a manicured lawn, and a two-car garage. Tara wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, the classroom volunteer, and a prominent member of the PTA.
Even though they didn’t have the material items, she once thought she would, and she was content. Tara realized when she saw other people’s tragedies, and she didn’t have it that bad.
Thank you, Lord, for providing for my family and me. My husband works hard, and we sacrifice “things” for me to stay home and be the mom I want to be to my children. Please watch over them as they go through their day.
~ ~ ~
How many of us are living our lives the way we thought when we were children? The reality is we have to figure out what is a priority in our life and keep focused on what’s important.
How do you handle twists of direction that occur? What if you lost your home to a flood, tornado, fire, hurricane, or tsunami? For many people, dramatic losses can inspire two basic reactions: (1) it can remove them from God’s presence or (2) it can bring them closer into the folds of His grace.
Which will you choose?
Hebrews 13:15
Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
Start today by counting your blessings. Let’s start with two: grace and knowing you belong to Him.
John 1:16-17
For of His fullness, we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth was realized through Jesus Christ.
“As a cistern receives water from the fullness of the fountain, the branches sap from the fullness of the root and the light from the fullness of the sun, so you receive grace from the fullness of Christ.”
– Matthew Henry (1662 – 1714)
Romans 8:29
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.
Keep focused that your purpose is to be molded into the likeness of Christ so you can have an intimate relationship with Him. Ask Him to change negativity into something positive.
If you are not feeling content with where you are now, ask yourself what you can change. And if you can’t change it, ask God to change your perspective. When you see life, as He does, you will have a peace that others won’t understand. You can then give praise and glory to God in a way you haven’t experienced before.
He formed you, and your parents were an instrument to bring you forth. Before their knowledge of you, God already knew and loved you.
Life may not always be what you thought it would, but God does not favor one person over another. Walk each day in the purpose He set for you prior to your conception, bring honor to Him, and witness to others through your actions.
There will be situations that come along that may challenge you. Remember that twists last a season, but His joy lasts forever.
Make a list of blessings God has given you. Consider sharing your salvation story in this area or a time where you drifted from God and then came back to Him.
This is one individual or group study topics featured in my book, Reflections, which is available in ebook, print, and audio.
Blessings,
K-Trina