So how did this “space of grace” come about, you may be wondering?
Well, after fifteen years of pastoring the most wonderful people in the world we are now in transition. While the Lord clearly led us to Whitefish, Montana, many years ago, several months ago, He clearly released John and me both in our individual devotions. We miss our church deeply, but we are excited to see what the Lord has in store next.
A big part of that “next,” for me, has been the opportunity to do something I’ve longed to do for years. That is, get my life in order. On all fronts – both privately and professionally.
By my own admission, I a recovering flake! I’m a frustrated perfectionist with the motivational gift of laziness. I know what I need to do in order to change, but I struggle to actually get around to doing it. Sound familiar to any of you? (If not, please don’t tell me. I want to like you. Really I do.)
I must admit, I’ve wondered if I should even share what I’m learning. Any suggestions that might help you in your personal life must surely be met with skepticism. After all, I’ve got a “space of grace” while you…well, you’re stuck in the middle of a life that is like a blender stuck on frappe!
Please know I understand this. In fact, that is the very excuse I’ve been using for years. “I’m too busy – I don’t have time to change.” But I’m realizing, even in this time with big margins, that I can fill my life with lots of stuff and fluff. Important and terribly necessary stuff and fluff. Each and every day, I awake to a choice – how will I use my time?
And that is what it really comes down to for each and everyone of us? What do I want to change? And what am I willing to do in order to change it?
I’m glad to report that much of the work that God is doing in me (and the work I’m ALLOWING Him to do), started back in the middle of my busyness. When there wasn’t enough time – not enough me! – to go around.
In His mercy, the Lord didn’t wait until I had the luxury to really be quiet and listen to His voice. Instead, He accosted me in the middle of my excuses and asked me if I was finally ready to let Him do all that I had begged Him to do.
And I guess that’s where we all must start. For it’s the only place any lasting change can actually transpire. At the junction of a willing heart and a mind set on obedience.
Are you ready to let go of the things that have weighed you down? Are you ready to stop making excuses and start taking the baby steps of obedience that lead to a new path and a new life?
If so, I guarantee you this! God is not only able, He is absolutely willing to meet you where you are, and then with your cooperation, take you where you need to be. But it all starts with this prayer – not just the words, but a true heart cry…
Lord, change me.
And He will, sweet sister. I know He will.