Imagery is a great way to describe the human experience: hurricanes in our hearts; life’s a roller coaster ride; riding the waves; days feel like a merry-go-round, up and down and going nowhere. There are many more, I’m sure, but even this handful of examples depict a pattern of movement, uncertainty and a degree of chaos; truly what we encounter in life, is it not?
As I strive to keep my balance in this topsy-turvy world of which I am a resident, it is the simple truths to which I grip. The Bible tells me to be a faithful steward of what is entrusted to me, to mind my own business, and to live in a way that encourages others to worship God. I want to be a catalyst for good change in my community; I want to move mountains for the causes closest to my heart; I want to publish a book that will be read for generations to come. I don’t know if any of those things will happen, but I do know that there are many things I can do today that I won’t ever regret doing.
I will not regret:
- Nurturing house plants in every room.
- Growing wildflowers with my children.
- Lighting a candle at dinner time.
- Developing music appreciation in my children.
- Reading books every day- alone or with my family.
- Sipping tea.
- Praying with my husband.
- Giving generously.
- Responding to anger with gentleness.
- Putting forth the extra effort to bake bread from scratch or making a hot, 3-course meal for my family.
- Maintaining a simple housekeeping routine that even my children can follow.
- Joining in playing pretend.
- Laughing
- Hugging
- Crying when the tears need to flow.
- Going outside and gazing heavenward.
This morning I read Ephesians 4:17-32. It was completely applicable for today’s culture: the ignorance, the anger, the hearts hardened towards God. But the culture doesn’t dictate how I must live. I am still called to hold to the simple truths of Christlikeness that are timeless in their relevancy.
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