After a brief hiatus, I now have my computer returned to me. With repairs completed to said computer, I am now free to once again post a blog entry. I want to thank all those who continue to view this blog, and trust that you are enjoying it. Also keep in mind that you can post a comment to an entry, or can send me an email at soulscape@alltel.net . Anyway, let us proceed with the entry, shall we?
How do you deal with difficult situations or problems you encounter? I believe most people deal with these things by not dealing with them. While this seems to be a prevalent trait among most of us, it is neither the best or right thing to do. We must, however, stop and ask why we do this.
When we look in the mirror each day, we see things that need attention; our hair needs brushed, make-up needs applied, a garment needs straightened. Still, no matter what we do, we see a reflection of ourselves staring back at us. No amount of cosmetic consideration can change the fundamental person reflected in the mirror. But, we do what we can to make that person more acceptable, more presentable, more attractive.
As we examine our hearts, minds and lives, we sometimes find blemishes and imperfections that seem to detract from the beauty of the person we’d like to be. But for most of us, when we see these things, we don’t make the attempt to change what’s wrong. Instead, we cover them up with other things, or ignore them all together, hoping they will go away, or that they won’t be noticed by anyone else.
Having a right and healthy relationship with the Lord requires that we be honest about what we find within us. We must not compare our lives with others, but with Jesus. We must not rationalize or excuse the wrong, but be willing to acknowledge and change the wrong to follow God’s pattern for life. This honesty requires that we not only admit where we need change, but be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to affect that change within us.
It is impossible to be what God wants you to be, it is impossible to have a strong and healthy relationship with the Lord if you do not seek those areas needing attention in your life, and then be willing to do something about it. What we see of ourselves might not always be pretty, but the Lord sees what we can (and should) be. Since He sees that beauty within us, it is our responsibility to see it, too. As we see that beauty, we must also be aware of that which detracts from that beauty, and let the Spirit direct us in how to live more like Christ every day.
Our daily prayer as Christians should be that we might draw closer to the Lord. But that prayer must also include a request that our Heavenly Father would give honest sight to our eyes, so that we can see ourselves for whom and what we really are, and be the kind of people He knows we can be. Don’t take perfection for granted, and merely assume you’re where you need to (and can) be. Approach life by daily acknowledging that you can be closer to the Lord today than you were yesterday, and then move forward with the attitude that Jesus gives not only new life, but renewed life. Things can always be better, but we have to be willing to be made better.
We can’t do it alone, but we know Someone who can!
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