Sometimes I can get caught up in things that don’t really
matter. I don’t know how or why it
happens… it just does. If my family was
here right now they would definitely be shouting a loud “AMEN!” to that. Ha, ha.
Have you ever been there before friend? I hope I am not alone. Have you ever fixated over trivial
meaningless tasks that don’t really matter?
Have you ever gotten wrapped up in situations or circumstances that
threatened to consume your life? It may
not really matter a week, a month, or a year from now, but it matters to you
today.
What we don’t realize is that when we allow these things (the
trivial and meaningless things) to consume our time, our thoughts, our energy, and
our lives… we can lose our perspective. Yesterday,
God gave me a lesson in what really matters.
It seemed like a typical day from the start. The boys got up and about their day slowly... as usual of course. Being the task master mom that I am, I gave
them a specific time frame to be dressed, teeth brushed, and ready in the
living room for our family meeting. We were going to discuss the plans for the day. They had exactly one hour
to get ready at their leisure. That seemed like a reasonable amount of time to
me.
They had plenty of time to get ready and enjoy their special shows
if they managed their time wisely.
However I have one child who likes to wait to the last minute to do
everything. He generally ends up way
behind schedule as a result. So, when I saw him enter the living room to watch
TV, I thought… “Why isn’t he dressed? It
doesn’t take much effort to put some clothes on… he only has 30 minutes left to
do it before THE DEADLINE!” I proceeded
to lecture him on why he should have already gotten dressed. Needless to say this caused him to have an
attitude with me leaving us both feeling a little on edge.
Feeling defeated and out of sorts, I immediately retreated to my safe place to consult with God. I turned on the worship music and began
cleaning the kitchen. It wasn’t long until the songs began to penetrate my heart and God got
my attention. He whispered quietly to
my spirit… “Did you see that little boys face? What do you want him to
remember about the encounter you just had with him? Is it that he should follow
YOUR SCHEDULE… Do you want him to remember your angry expressions, harsh words,
or bad attitude? What impression do you want to leave with him about this
moment? What do you want etched into his
mind forever?”
The words weighed heavy on my heart as I replayed the encounter
again in my mind. “Whoa!!!!!!!! Wait
a minute… this was NOT my plan for the day!
I need to fix this and fix this now!” I immediately called my son into the room to
rectify the situation per God’s instructions.
I started talking before he could even say a word… “Will you
please forgive me? Mommy sometimes gets caught up in things and forgets that
everything doesn’t always have to been done HER WAY. I’m sorry. Will you remind
mommy next time this happens that you will do it (whatever it is), but you want
to do it YOUR way and in YOUR time?” He gobbled me in a hug, smiled, and said “OK mommy, I love you.”
I’m so glad that God helps us in this journey called life. When we
mess up, lose focus, or get caught up in the trivial things this life has to
offer… God is there to rescue us and bring us back to where we need to be. I’m also thankful for sons that are quick to
forgive a mom who tends to lose her focus more often than not. The struggle is real! God help me!
Colossians 3:1-2 says “So if you're serious about living this new resurrection
life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides.
Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in
front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's
where the action is. See things from His perspective. “
Lift your head friend and choose to see things from His
perspective. What image do you want to leave etched in the mind of
someone else from their encounter with you today? Surrender your heart and day to God. It’s all about perspective!
Living to leave a legacy!
Julie
Prayer:
God,
please help me to focus all of my attention on You today. I don’t want to get wrapped up in things that
don’t really matter. Today, I set my
heart on YOU! I want to have Your
perspective as I enter my day. Direct my
steps, fill my mouth with Your words, and help me to live
in such a way that others see You in me.
I want to make you proud! I love
you today and forever. Amen.
