Analisa
Of all the positive traits I think this is the one I admire most. Determination. I love to hear stories of people who tried and failed yet tried again and again. I most admire it because it's not one of my strong personality traits. If I keep encountering failure I need time before I make the attempt again. There are things I am very determined to do well at. Other things not so much. Those things nag at me and I dismiss them with, one day I will do that.
One of those things is something almost everyone I know does. Drive. I don't drive. I've never had a driver's license. I know I know. I have heard it all. So don't fill up the comment box with but how do you manage questions. Oh I took lessons and failed the road test. There was the "professional" instructor who fell asleep as I was driving. I didn't wear something sexy to pass as one person advised. I failed the road test when others said I should have passed. Really? Where I lived you tested on the road with traffic. The test booklet to study was a tri-fold pamplet with 100 questions and third of those were for motorcycles and trucks. The written I passed every time. I've been told I am not bad driver by fearless friends who would let me behind the wheel with my learner's permit. So why at this ripe age don't I have my license? I could give you a list but the real answer is simple. I haven't determined to do it.
Like weight loss we may long for the slender person we used to be. However deciding and committing to eat healthy and workout is another matter. Some of us can drum up will power for a short period. Then we fall back into our bad habits. We lack real determination.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.--Provers 3:5
As I have gotten older I discovered that God doesn't expect us to do what is hard for us on our own.
When we try to do the difficult thing on our own we can become critical of ourselves. Why can't I do this, what is wrong with me? It's just shameful I haven't done this yet. Or embittered. Why doesn't someone help me with this? This is so unfair, it so easy for everyone else. Why has so and so gotten this and I am still struggling. Oh yes, that is what it's like when we try to accomplish things without God.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.--Philippians 4:13
Yes like you I have some things in this life I haven't achieved. One thing I am determined to do. I am determined to follow God and live a life that pleases Him. If I never go back to school, ok. If I never drive, ok. If I never ever finish the book, well that's ok too. It's not ok to lack a determined commitment to God.
"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.--Deuteronomy 6:5
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.--Philippians 3:14
What are you determined to do?
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Analisa
A couple of weeks ago I went back to work full time. It's a blessing and a challenge. I felt guilty about not having enough time to do the things I need to. I felt guilty about the short cuts. Then I wrote this, and the guilt is no more. Enjoy.
Memorandum
Date: Today
Re: My official shutdown
From: The Brain
Body,
This is a final warning. I've sent various signals. Body you put the cold food in the cabinet, you forgot the keycard, you have been dozing on public transportation and you've been weepy. These were warnings that you need to do as I say. In spite of my attempts body, you ignore them. I see that you want to rebel but you don't have the needed energy. Body you seem to be under the impression that you can function without me. You let the mouth and stomach take over and eat whatever the eyes see. You allow the eyes to watch late televisions shows. You have even allow the arms to carry loads you know the back can't abide. So I now I am withdrawing my help. This will resulting in work and home mishaps, constant fatigue, sickness, confusion, then finally depression.
Intelligently yours,
The Brain.
Memorandum
Date: Eternity
Re: Rulership
From: The Holy Spirit
CC: The Body, and The Soul
Dear Brain:
Concerning your warnings to the body. It is true that my dear one Lisa, has not taken care of late. However that is why she has my Mercy and Grace. I could tell by the tone of your letter there is some confusion about who has final say here. Lisa's life is not based on her brain or her body but her spirit which is directed by ME. If she tires herself she only has to come to me for wisdom and I will lead her. Remember my thoughts are higher than yours. If her body is ill I will heal her. If she is down I will lift her head. So the next time you have any complaints against the body, see me first. For I am her keeper. Because I know you have a tendency toward the carnal, let me make it clear. Lisa's has turned her life over to me, so I run this.
With love,
The Holy Spirit.
Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.--Isaiah 40:31
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