Putting Into Practice

I woke this morning tired.  Physically, mentally, emotionally bone weary tired.  Okay, what gives?  I slept all night. Not a lot of tossing and turning.  So why did I feel this way?  And how the heck am I supposed to get through the day?  A day with a to do list longer then the hours in it, a busy night at work looming...GOD HELP!!!

I'm sure most people have been there a time or two (or three or four.....).  We all have those days.  And sometimes we just really need to rest.  Our body is telling us that it's time to slow down and settle down for a bit.  Of course we argue back with it.  Who has time?!?  How will I get things done?!?  I'm feeling that now.  

And then in the back of my mind comes the thoughts and lessons born out of this blog.  Speak peace to your circumstances.  Do what you can and let God do the rest.  These are not problems but opportunities to see God's faithfulness.  You are not a human doing but a human being.  Rest in the Lord. Seek first the kingdom.....on and on the thoughts come.  A culmination of the Lord's teaching over the years.  And my mind settles.  He's got this!  He's got me!

I'm so grateful for the Lord's school of life that I've been in over the years.  When we keep at it, keep trying (even through many failures and much forgetfulness), eventually things start sticking.  Even with everything I have to do to prepare for retirement and moving out of state, even living with everything about this process up in the air and nothing nailed down, I am at peace (most of the time lol).  God's got this.

My encouragement to you is not to give up.  Keep putting into practice the things the Lord shows you.  I know we definitely don't get that perfect all the time, but keep doing it.  You will see the fruit.  Hebrews 12:11   No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.  Don't stop praying, don't stop listening, don't stop studying, don't give up on God or yourself.  

Lord thank You for the years of patient teaching and leading You provide.  Thank You for never leaving nor forsaking Your difficult children.  I'm one of them!  I take forever to learn things, fail more often than succeed, but thank You for never condemning me..,.but loving me through it all.  Unconditionally and with keeping score.  It's not over, I know.  But I'm so glad to see fruit.  Lord encourage everyone reading this to keep going forward with You.  To trust Your process and Your timing.  Your heart is always kind, always good, always loving....even when we hurt.  Increase our faith.  Lord, You know the circumstances in each of our lives, please continue working all things for good, all things for Your glory.  Shine through each of us.  And help us to get through our days in Your grace, abiding and resting in You.  I'm in awe of Your care.  In Jesus' sweet Name.  Amen.