Best Friend for Always
Someone once said, "It was nice growing up with someone like you - someone to lean on, someone to count on... someone to tell on!"
That about sums it up for you and me.
Growing up, you teased me and pushed me around because that's what big brothers are supposed to do. As we got older, you turned into my protector and confidant. Now, we are both adults and you are one of the most important people in my life.
We have laughed till we cried.
We have survived the death of a parent.
We have resurfaced after quarrels that would sink any friendship.
And, one of my favorite things about us, we have a combined sense of humor that no one else comprehends.
We can be in a room together not saying a word and undoubtedly know what the other is thinking. I love that. And I love You.
Happy Birthday Toddy....my Best Friend for Always.
If I knew then...
I'm not one to dwell on the past, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that sometimes I wonder where I would be and what my life would be like if I had chosen different paths.
I was thinking today: How many times have I made significant decisions based on the outcome I desired? And, how often did it really work out the way I thought it would?
When I look back at my life, I don't always see rhythm, orderliness, or beauty. And, I definitely do not see perfection. Knowing which choice to make and which direction to take has not always been crystal clear to me. So, how in the world am I supposed to discern what God wants me to do?
The answer is simple. God first; then Me. If I am making decisions based primarily on what makes Me happy, then my priorities are twisted and I will stumble at every turn. Matthew 10:39 says (paraphrased in The Message) "If your first concern is to look after yourself, you'll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you'll find both yourself and me."
I haven't always made the right decisions....but, I am grateful from whence I came. Would I change some of my choices if given the opportunity? Absolutely, but I don't regret the lessons I have learned and the challenges I have overcome because they have all been used to shape and mold me into Me.
I know God has big plans for Me. I am, no doubt, a work in progress. But to Him, I am His work of art; His poem; His masterpiece. And that gives me Hope.
Contentment is a Choice
Confession: I have not been truly content in a long time.
It hit me this weekend. It's not like I didn't know; I just haven't been willing to admit it.
My discontent has nothing to do with wealth or material possessions....it has more to do with proximity, and I could blog for an hour explaining why.
In searching my soul this weekend, I have re-discovered that contentment is a state of heart; unaffected by circumstances & surroundings. I have little-to-no control over things, but I do have control over my heart and my attitude.
My challenge to you: Instead of longing for the indefinable 'something better' or 'somewhere better'.... Consider who you are and be satisfied with that. Consider what you have and be satisfied with that. Consider where you are and be satisfied with that.
If contentment can't be found within yourself, you'll never find it.
