Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Refusing to break free


Today is day 30 of NaBloPoMo! I have enjoyed blogging daily this November so much, in fact, that I am going to continue through the end of the year! Although I've enjoyed blogging, I am inspired to try to write more posts with quality content, versus just ramblings. Ramblings are great and definitely let us all get to know each other in the blog world. :) However, I'd like to be able to dwell on more edifying things sometimes then my daughters fascination with the leg of a deceased turkey. (See yesterday's post if you have no idea what I'm talking about).


Today was the last day of our "Breaking Free" Bible Study at church. I enjoyed this study immensely and feel like I need to go through it again as one can only absorb so much at one time, ya know? :)


Something that struck me today was in regards to the people in our lives that refuse to break free from the bondage that drags them down and keeps them hostage in a sense. I am not an overly sympathetic person at times in life towards people who are their own worst enemy in life and it's something that I need to really work on. I am annoyingly extremely optimistic (which is largely due to the man I married) and wish that others shared enjoying every aspect of life, even the unpleasant ones. One time I had to sit and listen to someone complain about rising gas prices and how depressing it is and I was like, "really?!?!". It's gas. You gotta have it to drive. If you don't want to buy it, don't drive. Or drive less. The end. I just don't get people that would rather be sad than happy. Just.don't.get.it. Yes, there are legitimate reasons for being sad or depressed and I'm not saying that there aren't. Just the cost of gas and other silly issues (I could write a novel....no joke....I seem to attract the debbie downers in life) aren't a reason to dwell on how unfortunate your life is.

Anyways.

Back to being unsympathetic. :) Instead of being sympathetic, often times I am quick to judge. I think to myself, "if only they could just quit their whining and focus on the positive" or "it's their own darn fault that everything goes wrong in their lives....negativity is a magnet for unfortunate situations". This is not an overly Christ like attitude however. I don't think that the Lord intends for us to enablers in peoples lives in regards to their pity parties, but I do think He intends for us to radiate His love.


Beth Moore says that something we should be aware of is described in 1 Corinthians 10:12 - "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!" I often am guilty of getting a little too comfortable with my optimistic view in life, almost to the point of thinking that I am invincible in a way if that makes sense. Then something bad happens and I feel sorry for myself thinking, "why me??" which is exactly the kind of attitude that I have no tolerance for in others.


Instead of focusing on all the areas that I see in my friends and family that could use a break through, instead I should just live my life in a way that testifies to God's goodness and faithfulness. I can't drag my friends and family to a better life, I can't force them or make them change in anyway....all I can do is show them how a life that is focused on the positive is a blessing.


I feel like my writing is so rusty.....yet another reason to try to dive back into more meaningful blogging. I hope I've explained what was on my heart today. I am challenged to watch my attitude and be a woman of grace, versus judgement. I know I am young(ish) and I certainly don't have all the answers but I'm so grateful to be holding the hand of the One who does. I'll let Him lead me and show me the way. :)


1 comment:

Kristi said...

Congrats on completing NaBloPoMo! I fell off the wagon at the end. Will try again next year.

I am also right there with you with the meanignful posts and posts of substance. Don't get me wrong I love the other ones too, but I feel like I am in such a rut.
xoxo