I was standing in front of the mirror in my bathroom. I was looking at my face and it turned into my grand mother's face. As I stared, I was shocked at how bitter my mouth was and I couldn't figure out why I looked like I did, I reached up and touched my face and when I did I woke up.
I thought about it as I laid there awake. I realized that I do not want to wear bitterness on my face. Only I can choose to change the way I deal with life. Every day this week, every thing I read had to do with forgiveness, and doing good to those who spitefully use you. You know things that poke where you don't want anyone to see or know about. The Lord kept telling me why He wasn't answering my prayers. Not audible but I knew just the same because every time I prayed He would show me what He wanted. I kept saying in my heart," nope, I am not going to do it. "
Well though a series of things only God can do when He wants to do something and I am not obeying, He causes things to happen. My kids are going to be camp counselors in July and today they were going up to take a look at the facility. I told them I would get up early and get them some snacks to take with them.
It was earlier than my normal time and the person whom God had put on my heart all week, was standing alone at a counter. No one was around but me and her. I went up and gave her a hug and we talked. She had done nothing I want to be up front about. My feelings had been hurt and I let time and hurt just let us grow further and further apart.
Have a wonderful weekend!
~Kim~
13 comments:
i love it when you get clarity. i need to open myself up to some. :)
What I have learned in my time on this earth is that difficulties are for you to learn from. And, you will only move forward when you figure out what the message (lesson tot learn) is that is being sent to you. So, always slow down, listen, and ask yourself "Why is this happening?"... Love the picture in the header of your blog! Every time I see your pup i think of my favorite childhood dog Daisy... she was a border collie we adopted from a local animal shelter and she was the bestest dog EVER! :-)
This is precious. I love what the dream brought about... I've always thought that God gave us some of those dreams, to help us see more cleaarly.
I'm so proud of your hug and restoration... it began in your own heart. Isn't that just like God?? :)
what a wild dream with a powerful message to not live from anger or bitterness. Love that you went up and hugged that person...and let go whatever you were carrying. It's so much lighter than holding grudges and hurts and yet why is it so hard sometimes to do!
Powerful post. How wonderful to break free of the hurts that cause division and bitterness. We do need to keep a close watch ... the things that destroy the gentle and quiet spirit that we all desire start so innocuously that if we're not careful, our hearts and spirits are hardened and bitter.
Oh Kim I think we have had all had our turn in that woodshed, I know this gal has for sure. But it sure sounds like God is now working with a softened heart, and someone who is listening and learning what He desires. The dream was soo powerful. And the restoration so sweet. The sunflowers are just glorious btw. Sweet hugs to you today!
Forgiveness isn't for the person who "wronged" you, it is a gift to yourself.
"Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..." this is the heart of forgiveness.
OK... I'm stepping down from the pulpit now AND your post was wonderful!
I see my mother's face when I look in the mirror now. Reinforces the fact that I am growing older. I need help from above to keep moving forward.
Thank you for reminding me to smile more, Kim! God's so gentle with us, isn't He?
I hope this is the sign that bright days are ahead for you. I know they are :)
I think each day is normal, whether or not I recognize it. Mostly, I don't want to recognize it; I want "normal" to be better, brighter, cheerier...and God says, "this is normal, relish it, today won't come again."
Lessons. Always learning, aren't we?
I have been to the woodshed quit a few times myself, Kim, and when I got out, life took on a new perspective. I always tell people that I am a work in progress,and I am so thankful that God never gives up on me, though there have been many times when I wanted to give up on me!
Today I can say that I am now thankful for the woodshed experiences!
A great post!
hugs,
Sue
Beautiful pictures of wonderfully scented flowers.
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