My clothes don't know how to act in their new closet. For one thing, all garments that were too small are now whooping it up at Goodwill waiting for someone who will appreciate and wear them rather than lose them in the dark extremities of the closet. They had lost all hope since they never saw me reach for my walking shoes or exercise clothes. The remaining Blouses, Pants, Skirts and Dresses now enjoy hanging out with other family members since they've never been grouped before. Hats sit proudly displayed on a shelf instead of hiding under each other. Belts are on a belt ring in plain sight. Shoes? In a canvas highrise with 10 apartments - compartments - for shoes. Now, my clothes enjoy either staying home or going out for the day. And me? Well, a girl's gotta love being able to locate happy clothes.
De-cluttering a closet, alphabetizing DVDs, prepping to paint, checking the cabinet for ingredients BEFORE starting the recipe, keeping up with the calendar, getting a flu shot, making a grocery list, learning a song and practicing it - all these disciplines take time but in the long run they make a positive difference. Julie Andrews said,"Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly." (www.brainyquote.com) How right she is - especially when it comes to spiritual discipline.
Taking time to prepare spiritually each day keeps us from plunging into what must be done with the wrong heart and attitude. Lingering in God's Presence is like placing painter's tape along the edges of our lives: it takes time but will protect us from sloppy words, messy emotions, and drippy insincerity - our own or what others send our way. Basking in God's Presence is much like getting a flu shot to ward off the weariness and unhealthy "me" mindset of forgetting why we serve. Focusing on praising and thanking Him rather than rushing by with today's headline of our latest urgent need is like looking at the calendar and remembering that life isn't all about what will get me through today. And, balancing prayer, Bible study, fellowship, service, witnessing and giving is like keeping the clothes organized: resources wait ready and in place to help me do the good works God prepared in advance for me to do. The closet is ready for all of the above: fly, Robin, fly!
Lord who reigns, I stand in awe of a God who has lined up good works for each of us to accomplish. Thank You for entrusting us with divine appointments. Thank you for filling us with Your sweet Spirit to carry through with joy what You've ordained. Lead us to fulfill our destinies in You - not out of duty but because we're exhilarated by Your Love. Open the eyes and ears of our hearts to see where You want us to plug in to people's lives. Help us learn to love the discipline of spending time with You and learning to obey Your Word so we don't stand in our own way of being who You created us to be. Give us wings to fly freely in Your grace and love. We trust You to equip us for whatever You know is part of today.
In the name of Jesus who endured opposition to fly to heaven!
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10
"Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:3
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