One of the hardest lessons I am learning is to see people the way God does. From the overly-talkative cashier, boundary-challenging family, micro-managing employers, inconsiderate acquaintances, judgemental friends, obnoxious neighbor, strong-willed children, imperfect husband, misguided authorities, and back to my own tendency to over-analyze everything, God is showing me new levels of grace and love.
I'll admit, I don't get why he wants to love us humans, but I am so beyond grateful that he does. The lies of happily ever after and callings have done a lot of harm. Spreading this notion of reaching a place of grandeur this side of heaven is utter nonsense. Movies have set people up with false expectations: Life is fair. Relationships are magical. Parenthood is fulfilling. Success is... You have to laugh or you will cry. The truth is none of life, relationships or parenthood are beautiful without a lot of help. Life is often unfair and struggles are brought to our doorstep to shape us into who we need to become. Not through our victories, but more often through our mistakes or "failures" we grow and learn. Relationships are riddled with miscommunication and unfaithfulness(physical, emotional and/or spiritual), so we can see God's unfailing love in dramatic contrast. Without the Spirit's intervention, I don't know how people stay even remotely "happily" married. I am convinced you don't make it to the golden years without a heck of a lot of growth, grace and surrender on all sides. You have to learn to be in relationship with others and it includes laughter, pain, and forgiveness. Parenthood brings you to the brink of insanity regularly, requiring you to seek forgiveness for your failings. Each generation brings new challenges that swing the balance of raising narcissists or unhealthy codependency. You do your best, but everyone knows the first child is the practice child, the middle child doesn't get enough attention and the baby is spoiled. Good luck. My prayer from the beginning is that I do as little damage as possible to those entrusted to me and His grace covers the rest. In short life humbles you in a big way or you spend it miserably striving for perfection that doesn't exist. Surrender to the inevitable and ask for help, so you can pass what remains of your life with some semblance of peace and hope.
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