"I count myself one of the number of those who write as they learn and learn as they write." ~St. Augustine

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Same old thing

It is so easy to slip into the same old thing. The same old patterns. We are so good at getting along independently that we find ourselves doing it again... the same old thing. Just tonight I was struck with the thought, we need to figure out how to do this differently!

We have done this thing before... many times. We move to a new spot. We buy what we need. We meet who we need. We do what we need to do to set up, to work, to minister, to play, to parent, to feed ourselves... But the key thing that struck me tonight is that we do this all. The question of our Father's presence, Father's thoughts, Father's ways sometimes finds a back seat to the natural, independent self- reliance. Mind you...not that I am unaware of the fact that God saves me all the time from myself and my self-reliance! He is constantly "righting" my wrongs and directing my path (whether I acknowledge Him or not). It isn't that I haven't spent daily times with Him; nor, been thankful when I have noticed the daily blessings. I have. This last few month hasn't be devoid of prayer. In fact, this last month there have been very sweet, close moments with my Father. But, I know there is more to be had. I know God offers me more. All said, we just set up house, bought what we need and began a life here with little "asking" of His opinion. The same old thing.

I need to figure out how to do this differently! I want more of Him in my everyday. I want more of Him in my every interaction, my every purchase, my every task. I want to listen. I want to ask Him and hear Him and to obey. He offers this throughout His Word... He offers moment-by-moment fellowship, ongoing peace, direction and wisdom. He offers us the chance to not lean on our own understanding... but to seek Him first and His kingdom first. He offers us a chance to ask and receive. He offers us a chance to remain IN Him, to walk IN His Spirit and to have His mind. This is the "differently" that I want in my every day. Not just the same old thing.

Oh Lord, do this in my heart, I pray.