New Year's Resolution

"Expectations breed contempt." I often remember this old adage...it is so true. I recently apologized to someone who told me not to worry about it. "We don't really have any expectations," she responded. Now that is a great attitude to have as you go through life. I only wish I could remember it.

Others have a way of disappointing us when our expectations are too high or unrealistic. But have you ever considered your expectations for yourself? Oh my...perhaps these high expectations would explain the fact that a large percentage of our self-talk is negative (over 90%, according to one of my previous pastors). I know that it's true of myself! How many times a day do I reprimand myself, by calling myself "stupid" or whatever derogatory moniker comes to mind?

What if, we trained ourselves to say something complimentary about ourselves when we make a mistake? I know this may sound strange, but face it, we are going to goof up, no matter how "mature" we are. Do you criticize your children or your friends when they make a mistake? More than likely, you encourage them to try again and remind them that "we all make mistakes." So, what if we cut ourselves the same slack? Years ago, I read a book called "Becoming Your Own Best Friend." I don't remember much about it, but I'm guessing that this was the kind of thing the author was trying to get across! (Guess it didn't sink in!)

So, as one of my New Year's resolutions, I am committing to stop myself when I start to be critical (of myself or others) and remind myself of what God would say: "Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying." (Romans 12:12) What if we are patient with ourselves (and others) when we make a mistake? What if we make it a matter of prayer? This should keep our thoughts in check when those disparaging words come to mind.

What if we find that it is not just a mistake, but perhaps we have sinned? Even then, God shows us His unconditional love and forgiveness. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

I am writing this blog more as a reminder to myself than anything. I feel certain that most of you don't struggle with this issue. But perhaps that is just another example of my negative self-doubts. If you can relate, then I pray that you will be encouraged! You are a beloved child of The Most High God. "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith." I John 5:4

Validation

At some point in time, I suppose that everyone wants to know that their life has meaning. We all crave validation. Sometimes I wonder if we (my husband and I) are making a difference in this world. Ministering to people who lead busy lives can sometimes leave you feeling disconnected from those you are called to serve.

But once in a while, God sends a wounded soul in need of care...needing to hear that he is loved unconditionally by the God of the universe. And I am humbled that someone would trust us enough to be so vulnerable. I realize that if this were a daily occurrence, I might not be as humbled by it. Perhaps I would begin to think that I had something to do with it, instead of being in awe of what God is doing.

I look at the circumstances leading up to this moment and see where God placed certain  people in particular places in order to draw this one man to Himself. And I am even more humbled at the thought of God putting that much thought into each of His relationships...caring that much about every tiny detail of our lives. ("The very hairs on your head are all numbered." Luke 12:7) If the Creator of all things loves us in such a way, how can we do anything but trust His plan for our lives?

We are called to "walk by faith" (II Corinthians 5:7) because He has everything under control. That is Good News! We find fulfillment when God is glorified...He validated our existence when "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (Christ)." II Corinthians 5:21. We are the "righteousness of God in Him"...who needs more validation than that?