Do you ever feel like you’re falling behind in your day before it really gets started?
You have a reasonable list of things to work through; it’s not over full but getting through to the bottom will keep you busy all day.
And then a curve ball gets thrown your way and you’re just not ready for it.
That happened this morning. I really desire to show the Fruit of the Spirit wherever I go and with whom I interact. Well today I, well, failed miserably.
All before 9 am.
Now mind you I had already had my coffee with Jesus and read Jesus Calling and my daily Scripture reading and my Mornings with Tozer devotional. I had chatted with my hubster. I had taken photos in the garden. It was all glorious.
Then a text came in that jarred my serene countenance and the old self showed up in a big way.
What happened to applying all that I had just encountered? Where did that peace go? How did I so quickly dive head long into the depths of a yucky attitude?
I don’t know is the short answer. I missed the choice point. The place where I got to choose a slow, deliberate, patient response or the quick-tempered off the top of my head reaction. I chose unwisely.
We always have them. Choice Points. My sweet mentor used that phrase so many times to remind me at each encounter God was giving me opportunity to learn discretion, discernment, wisdom. Those characteristics aren’t ones we’re born with; they are earned from making the wise choice time and again.
What happens when we don’t choose wisely? Like this morning? Is the whole day ruined by this one poor choice? Do we just give up and figure we’ll start over tomorrow?
The short answer? NO
Start again. As soon as possible.
Admit your poor choice and ask for forgiveness; first to the Lord, then to the person (or people) who need to hear you ask for forgiveness. You are forgiven because Christ paid for that poor choice already. (that doesn’t mean you get a free pass to sin all the more! see Romans 6:1)
I have no promise that your asking for forgiveness from the one(s) you wronged will turn out great or even ok. But taking the time to admit what happened and ask forgiveness is a demonstration of the inner work of the Spirit of God in your life. Don’t just gloss over what happened as if it didn’t. I know it’s tempting. I’ve done it too. It’s no good because you just end up feeling yucky all day long. So get real as gently and as quickly as possible.
Jesus told us if your eye is clear your whole body will be full of light. Basically, when you know you’re forgiven and you live out that forgiveness, you see life clearly. You see glimpses of God everywhere. (see the bit of rainbow?)
I know sometimes you feel as if you’re all alone shining your light
but God has promised He will never leave you or forget you.
Never. In fact Paul tells us in his second letter to the church at Corinth: “But thanks be to God who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.”
Even when you choose unwisely.
Forgiveness isn’t to be taken lightly. Our relationship with Christ isn’t to be taken lightly either. He calls us Friends. His grace to us cost Him everything. But accepting His forgiveness and grace brand new can feel like the discovery of new life when it’s not the season
Strawberries in September?
Reminding myself this morning of how vital forgiveness is helped get me back on track with the day. Even when it was temporarily derailed so early.
We are called to live differently in this world. Do the unexpected. Ask for forgiveness.
And be forgiving.
He is always with you, shining Light on your next step toward His home…