Day 27 - Lessons from the edge
Scripture focus: My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 (The Message)
"Just go ahead with what you've been given." Start where you are; take one step at a time. Which step, you ask?
Need to lose weight? Check. But who says you have to lose it all today?
Need to exercise more? Check. That doesn't mean you have to run a marathon!
Need to figure out how to stop having panic attacks? Even if you don't stop them completely, you can learn how to manage them effectively.
Need to decide whether you're going to stay with your spouse or take your affair to the next level? Check. You don't have to have the answer today - you can get some wise counsel.
Need a new sponsor, or maybe just a recommitment to going to a meeting? Check. Then go! Make one good decision today. Just for today take the next right step in your recovery journey.
Need to have a quiet time each day? Check. But if you skip a day, or shave off a few minutes, the world won't end.
Need to try to read through the bible because that's what good Christians do? Check. However, no one has been kicked out of heaven because they couldn't manage to get through Leviticus.
Need to figure out how to stop yelling at your kids because good Christians don't yell at their kids? Check. Ask for help - this habit will take a while to replace.
Need to cut your grass and weed your garden? Check. But if you don't, it'll be there tomorrow.
Working on your short game in golf? Check. It's okay to acknowledge that there is only one Tiger.
Paul says this is simple and straightforward - "Just go ahead with what you've been given." Take your messy, every day, walking-around life, and live. Don't try to check off all the boxes - instead, practice the principle of listening to God. Along the way, learn how to live deeply rooted in your life with Christ. It's okay to start living, and see where he leads. It's okay to pick one box to work on, so long as we understand who provides the fuel to run the race. Learning to love God and let him give to us isn't the same thing as acquiring the perfect life.
Recommended reading: Psalms 17-18
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