Take Time for Rest & Renewal: Make a Conscious Effort to Replenish

If you are under 35-years-old, you might not understand what I’m about to say.  But those 35 and up will surely say, “Amen.”  This morning as I was walking, I dropped something on the ground.  I didn’t think twice as I knelt down to pick it up…but a strange thing happened when I tried to stand.  Without my permission, my knees and legs moved in slow motion.  I heard myself grunt as I finally stood and felt sensation returning to my limbs.  I had to chuckle and shake my head as I thought about how easily that maneuver would have been just 3 to 5 years ago.  While I am by no means old…I am getting older.

For the most part I don’t feel 40, I just feel like me.  But there are times, like today, when I realize that I am just not as strong or energetic as I used to be.  The activities, which once came so readily, now require thought and sometimes preparation.

Our spirits can imitate our body in the same manner.  There were times when I was younger that comments, snap judgments and bad attitudes would roll of my back like water.  I could go thirty verbal rounds over an issue without a blink.  Nowadays, I just don’t seem to have the heart or energy to fight some of the same old fights.  I guess you could say that I’m a little slow on the come up. 

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Facing Your Moment of Truth; How to Get Honest about your Issues & Deal with Them

Being serious about your faith is dangerous business.  You never know when your next moment of truth is coming—the moment when the truth stares in your face and forces you to reckon with its brutality.

The moment when every false smile you've plastered on your face is revealed for the farce it really is, even when you were blissfully unaware of your insincerity.

Today, I faced such a moment.   My friend and I met for lunch at one of my favorite restaurants.  Things were fine as she shared some of her life's woes, but then, the subject of Steffy arose. Steffy is a friend of hers and an acquaintance of mine.  The three of us work together.   I don't recall the entire conversation, but my life changed as she said, "She thinks you hate her."  At first I laughed it off as I denied it.  But I quickly became uncomfortable as the truth settled in.

The truth is that I don't hate Steffy.  I distrust her and resent the fact that trust doesn't exist in our professional relationship.  But the most important truth is that as a Christian whose purpose is to reflect His character and grace in all things, I have fallen miserably short.

As I meditated on my friend's comments, I realized that I had allowed myself to become comfortable with disliking, distrusting and exposing what I view as Steffy's faults.  To my shame, even unbelievers have tried to give me another perspective from which to view her.  But I rejected their insights, believing that I saw something they couldn't.

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Power to Break Unhealthy Patterns: Get Honest about the Woman in the Mirror

The Law of Attraction boils down to one simple belief, “Like attracts like.”  Meaning that what lies in us will eventually manifest itself around us.   Our beliefs have the power to either attract or repel people and opportunities into our lives.

I saw this principle clearly in my relationship with James.  On paper, a girl couldn’t ask for more … he was tall, good looking, intelligent, funny, gainfully employed and yes…he was saved.  We had great conversations and could seemingly talk about any subject.  But the problem was that James was not available.  He was single and there was no woman in his life…but James kept his emotions and the core of who he was carefully locked out of reach.

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