Saturday, February 5, 2011

Simplify


Proverbs 16:32
"Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city."

Cheryl has begun a series, a journey really, toward simplifying her life. I have joined her because it is a journey I've been on for a very long time it seems. I tend to think of it as finding balance in my life. In one way or another, there have been things in my life that have tipped the scales so far in one direction that other important things have been neglected. As a result, I find myself frantically scrambling to get those important things done and feeling frustrated in the process. It feels a bit like running to keep up with myself.

Exhausted, I pray asking forgiveness for my neglect, only to repeat the very same process the next day. At its roots it is a lack of self-control. I feel Paul's words in the very center of my being:

"For the good that I wish I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish."
Romans 7:19

So that is where I begin the journey - yet again. Paul goes on to say in the very next chapter of Romans:

"There is therefore no no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Romans 8:1

I tend to be rather hard on myself. The Father, on the other hand, is infinitely patient - willing to go back to "square one" time and time again until the lesson is learned. It is this, this unconditional love and unending grace, that compels me to press on.

It is not a journey He ever intended for me to take alone. He walks beside me. He fills me with His Spirit. He extends His hand. My part is to grab hold and walk with Him.

I'm stepping out.

Blessings,
Linda

linking to Cheryl's blog: Culture Smith