Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. And let’s respond to God’s call with a hearty “Wilco, Lord!” Welcome today one of the most insightful, humorous writer-y friends I have ever met, Lindsey.
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I’ve been struggling a lot with time crunches and stress this month, which is disappointing. This month was supposed to be set aside for calm. I had plans to shop for my loved ones slowly and with intention. I was going to sit at my kitchen table with tea and watch the rain. I was going to read short Christmas devotionals to my kids every night leading up to the 25th. I even took time off work to enjoy the season.
Has any of that happened?
Ha! Replace “slow” with “rushed.” Replace “tea” with “3rd cup of coffee.” Take out “read short devotionals” to “try to get a bath in once a week.” Did work leave me alone? Nope—last minute deadlines that my smooth-talkin’ boss talked me in to are piled on my desk.
When I went to the PWOC board meeting, I was tired and grumpy. I felt like it was just another thing on my already long list of Stuff Lindsey Has To Do But Doesn’t Want To. Did I mention I was tired? And grumpy?
And so there I sat.
At the end of board meetings each member has the chance to give a “high” and a “low” pertaining to what is going on in their lives. Pfff…they didn’t want me to speak. I had a lot of lows to complain about that day. So many that no one could possibly relate.
And so, there I sat some more. Except something happened to my Debbie Downer heart as I listened: God began softening it, and then I felt like a selfish chump star. Most of the women in the group shared some real life, sucky concerns that they are currently facing in their lives. Marriage, health, time, kids, jobs,…..let’s just say that by the time it came to me, I was feeling like the world’s most ungrateful person. Stick me in the Guinness Book of World Records for selfishness, because that day was my shining moment.
Hyperbole aside, God was quick to rework my attitude that day, as well as refocus my perspective on gratefulness.
I could relate to almost every woman’s personal struggle. Marriage problems? Big time, but God is a god of redemption (a long story for another blog). Health issues? Sure, but God is healer. Job? Yes indeed, we have fretted over time and money, but God provides.
How could I have so easily forgotten the huge, nasty, knotted “lows” in my life that God has so graciously untangled? I was seriously sitting there, allowing my mind to whine about how early I had gotten up and my hectic schedule. I should be grateful that the biggest issue I am facing now is whether or not to cancel Netflix. And worst of all, I should have realized the need to be grateful simply because of what God has done in my life’s darkest situations. Right now, I get to fret about Netflix and a good paying job because of Him!
I allowed my gratefulness to be robbed away by selfishness of the moment. I don’t want to do that anymore.
Today I thank God for doing abundantly more than I could have ever asked for (or imagined) in all of my life’s lows. I have so much to be grateful for today, and you do too. Even when we face situations that seem insurmountable, God is there. Let’s work on fostering a heart of gratitude—if not for the situation itself; for the amazingness that God will do.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” ~Ephesians 3:20
“Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” Psalm 106:1
Friends, what do you do when you need a perspective shift and/or a reminder of how God is always abundantly more? Chime in and leave a comment here.
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
