During the spring I asked my husband to purchase a water hose for my vegetable garden. When he returned, he immediately began stretching it out. Then, he so kindly hooked it up for me. I didn’t say it, but a thought came to me that I learned from my father. Countless times he would say, “The best way to do something is to do it yourself!” I wondered, why on earth didn’t he buy the best quality hose that would last longer and always roll out without any kinks.
Over the years, I can honestly say that I’ve learned that having that mind set can cost in the long run. Whether it was telling my children to skip their chores, refusing for someone to volunteer to push the mower and help, or letting someone volunteer to help in the garden. I’ve always practiced a determination to get the job done right. And who better to do that?
Eventually, I paid for all my hard efforts physically, and in more ways than I can count. I should have let others try their hand at learning some skills, and saved myself a trip to the chiropractor. But when I gave in and allowed help, I recall on many occasions when people didn’t meet my standard or make perfect timing, I would say something I shouldn’t.
Have you ever made anyone feel like their best wasn’t good enough? A child, your older children or maybe your spouse?
If we were to say that phrase to God, I don’t believe that He would be pleased, do you? Do you think that’s what we say without saying it, when we take matters into our hands? I’m sure Jesus would give me a personal illustration about getting the kinks out of my own hose.
It’s a fact that some people are lazy, slack, sloppy, and with no work ethics or even those that have a negative outlook on life, and on those occasions, it can be hard to bite one’s tongue. But if I slow down and take the time to reflect, I can see the best way to do something is to allow the Holy Spirit to do it through us.
~Question: “Does your actions prove that you must think you know the best way to do something?”
The Bible says in Proverbs 16:3 “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”
Published by Carole
I’m nobody special, but because of Him, I know there’s something remarkably special about that! I find that everyday life can be a parable that is tied to the Gospel in some way. Writing, care-giving, gardening, and being a good wife, Mom, Meme, and friend, describes just a piece of who I am. A student of the Word, and although I don’t always live up to what I hope for, Jesus Christ certainly does.
Once I get past rough seasons, it seems that the disappointments and hard times, always end up giving me a drive to write, a passion to share, and a fresh perspective on life. From relationships, the loss of my father, cancer, letting go of a successful business after twenty years, to being a full-time caregiver, all these things have given me a reason to find God working something new in me. And in all these circumstances, I’m positive that it is for my eternal good.
One of my favorite things to do is converse with like-minded individuals and listen to their experiences of seeing God orchestrating His plans in their life as well. I also offer a bible study zoom meeting and encourage others in the faith.
Check out my blog and maybe you can relate. Please share your response in a comment or how God may speak to you. I find that meditating on a particular story or scripture from the bible, will usually speak in some way throughout the day if we are looking, but there within lies the key; looking!
The “Thought Provoking Questions” I ask can be tough, but they are biblical based. Consider taking one at a time, like a does of medicine. And if it doesn’t go down well, please take it serious and go to the Lord in prayer. His grace is sufficient, but at the same time it’s critical that we understand about being set apart. I am finding the more I look into the first two commandments that Jesus gave (Matthew 22:37-40), the more fearful the thought of being a Pharisee, and not knowing.
If you’re unsure about all this “God stuff”, and want to talk, please email me @ findinggodineverything@mail.com.
It would be a blessing to connect and hear from you.
CAROLE
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