Sunday, October 3--This morning, I made a mistake that cost me peace and order in my family; I ignored the nudging of the Holy Spirit. It was clear, although quiet and easy to push away when I had a strong urge to speak my mind on a particular issue with my husband. Note to self: not giving in to your own selfish desires, Heather, actually causes you to win in the end... in the most satisfying way.
As it turns out, I tend to do this in other areas as well because later, out of more selfish ambition, I loaded up my plate with a massive piece of chocolate cake. I love cake and I'm ashamed to say, I could put away a whole birthday cake single-handedly. I dug around the drawer for just the right fork. Do you have to drink tea from a particular tea cup because it fits around your lips, "just so"? Well, I was salivating as I was seeking my small, rounded, cake fork because I really wanted the whole experience to be just perfect. But, upon the first bite of what I thought would be rich, dense, moist, chocolatey goodness, I nearly gagged! What a horrible disappointment! I pushed the whole thing as far from me as I could get it. My immediate response? Thank You, Lord, that that cake tasted so bad! I felt, in a sense, saved from my own gluttony.
Oh, how I wish I would exercise some self-control! As in the case with my husband, it would save me much grief! As my self-righteous words tumbled out all over the bathroom floor, this morning, they left a bad taste. If only I would push the plate away before I take a bite. There's probably a reason why the Lord recently led me to the Scripture, "I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress." Psalm 17:3 (in more ways than one, apparently). Here, David is vindicated because he has kept his mouth pure. Read Psalm 17 today. Is there anything you see in there that you're not doing as he did? David says he will be satisfied when he awakes in the likeness of God. My prayer is to become more and more like Him as I follow the Holy Spirit's call to shut my mouth.
As it turns out, I tend to do this in other areas as well because later, out of more selfish ambition, I loaded up my plate with a massive piece of chocolate cake. I love cake and I'm ashamed to say, I could put away a whole birthday cake single-handedly. I dug around the drawer for just the right fork. Do you have to drink tea from a particular tea cup because it fits around your lips, "just so"? Well, I was salivating as I was seeking my small, rounded, cake fork because I really wanted the whole experience to be just perfect. But, upon the first bite of what I thought would be rich, dense, moist, chocolatey goodness, I nearly gagged! What a horrible disappointment! I pushed the whole thing as far from me as I could get it. My immediate response? Thank You, Lord, that that cake tasted so bad! I felt, in a sense, saved from my own gluttony.
Oh, how I wish I would exercise some self-control! As in the case with my husband, it would save me much grief! As my self-righteous words tumbled out all over the bathroom floor, this morning, they left a bad taste. If only I would push the plate away before I take a bite. There's probably a reason why the Lord recently led me to the Scripture, "I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress." Psalm 17:3 (in more ways than one, apparently). Here, David is vindicated because he has kept his mouth pure. Read Psalm 17 today. Is there anything you see in there that you're not doing as he did? David says he will be satisfied when he awakes in the likeness of God. My prayer is to become more and more like Him as I follow the Holy Spirit's call to shut my mouth.
5 comments:
Oh, the poor cake! I struggle with gluttony, too....especially with ice cream! ;)
What a lovely idea Heather! I will be following along too. I *so* appreciate where you are coming from with words...ahhh...to listen more and speak less. THAT should be my motto for this month! :)
With Love,
Camille
P.S. I *love* Jeremiah 29:11-14a...you mentioned the whole chapter on "day one".
You and I sound a lot alike. I know those exact feelings..all of them. I'm so excited to be on this journey with you this month Heather!
Jeana
I completely relate. Reminds me of the exhortation: Be self-controlled and alert... The Lord is strengthening this muscle in me too. A painful process sometimes. Glad I'm in good company.
Oh, and spectacular picture!
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