Who's Driving?

Is God In The Driver's Seat?

Wow.  God really knows how to test me when    
it comes to being submissive to His will.  I mean
surrendering my children to Him?  Really, what is
He thinking?  How can I do that for more than
say an hour?  If we're supposed to completely
surrender our children, no matter what the age,
then why are we programmed this way?  I don't
understand God.  It's hard enough for me to"be
anxious for nothing" in matters concerning me. 
You can't expect me to be that way with my kids as well? 

Every night my husband and I pray together before we go to bed.  We start with our ill child, and then cover the other two children and the rest of our family.  We ask for specific things for them, and then say things like "according to your will," but honestly, I think deep down I am really thinking "according to my will."  Yes, I'm coming clean and admitting that I am not good at this surrender thing.  God knows I try to do it enough.  Sometimes I even succeed for a while, at least until I once more try to take the wheel from God. 

In my mind I know it doesn't make any difference.  He is still in control.  I can even imagine Him laughing at me saying, "You silly child, how could you possibly think you have any control?"  I don't think I have control, but when things feel out of control, it's almost like going on what I call "autopilot."

I know what I need to do, I know what needs to happen, and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. God has His reasons for everything and He will work his plan with or without me. 

Okay God, I understand why you hit me with what feels like yet another two-by-four.  I can be so stubborn when it comes to my kids.  But one thing I have learned is that you made my son the way you did for a reason.  He has survived because of You and not me.  With all that has happened there is no earthly reason he should still be here.   You are faithful Lord.  Help me to be faithful and trusting, You are the one with the power. 

He is faithful and so much bigger than us.  Has anyone else prayed a prayer like this?

Random Acts of Kindness

It's a time I'll never forget.  I was waiting tables in 1995, trying to get a job in my chosen field.  I worked at a Cracker Barrel in a small town in northwest Georgia.  There was a customer that came in once a week at lunchtime.  Everyone knew who he was, because of the extraordinary thing he would do each time he came.  He picked a table and paid their bill when he paid his own.  We were not allowed to tell anyone who did it, but it was the most incredible thing to watch the reactions of the people when they realized someone else had paid their bill.

The Bible calls for us to give generously and says that our giving loses meaning when we take credit for it.  God wants us to give from our hearts, and not for our own self gratification.  Reaching beyond ourselves and beyond the illness we live with is good for the soul.  We are reflecting the love of Jesus when we do that.

When the man I waited on each week performed his anonymous act of kindness, it affected everyone in the room.  I watched this simple act move people to tears. There seems to be an unwritten law of nature that goes into effect when we give.  Unfailingly, we get something back in return.  Not usually from the person or persons to whom we have given something, but often from another source at another time.  When we give unselfishly to those with a legitimate need, we are blessed tenfold.  People around us learn from our example as well.  It does not matter whether you have a mental illness or you are the caregiver.  Random acts of generosity command respect and please God; in addition, these acts automatically change one's attitude.  When you want someone else'e behavior to change, the only thing that may help that to happen, is for them to see a change in you.  I have witnessed his many times over with the people in my own life.

Next time you feel down, consider doing a random act of kindness.  It can not only turn someone else's day around, but your day as well.

The Half Full Cup

It breaks my heart to see the shame that people with a mental illness seem to always carry.  It's always there is some shape or form, like a dark cloud hovering over one's head.  We are all children of God, made in his image; that must make each one of us special.  Loved ones seem to carry the same shame.  People with mental illness were created with the genes to have it, just as gender and race are determined by our genes; just as those born with the gene for diabetes or a weak heart, there is no fault here.

THERE IS NO FAULT HERE!  Sometimes we all need that reminder.  People with a mental illness do not have to be defined by it; nor do family or friends have to be defined by their loved one's illness.  We may be in a minority, but we can choose the half full cup, rather than the half empty cup.  Today, try looking at the positive in you as a result of your experiences. For some, it is a new found compassion or wisdom.  For others, it may be a new way of experiencing true faith.  Where there is pain, growth usually follows.  How have you grown through this? How has this changed you in a positive way?  Just a few things to ponder...

For Everyone

When it feels like you're at the end, it's a new beginning.

Christ will carry you and get you through.

I aim for not being at the end, before I submit to Christ

And lay my burdens at the cross.

For The New Week

 

What We Really Need for a New Week

God,
Life is hard sometimes--
crazy, mixed up, messed up.
There we are in the middle of it all.
You know what it's like, Lord.
So we ask for your help this week...

When we face fear, give us courage
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

When we feel stress, give us peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

When we falter, give us strength.
I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Thank you for promising in anything we face, you'll give us everything we need. Amen.

from hollygerth.com