Last summer I started a little Bible Study called Idols of the Heart. Like sometime in June.
I decided yesterday, ( because I think I had forgotten how guilty I felt last time). I got it down off the shelf, and started reading. As she explained Idolatry, one of the exercises she asked for was what were my idols. Just off the top of my head, my list was this:
1. Myself
2. Entertainment ( books, movies, sewing...)
3.My husband, my kids, and my grandkids
4.My house
Then if I lied to myself pretty good I could put God here.
I remembered how I had worked on them in the spring, how no weed was there and it was all pretty and flowers blooming everywhere.
Now, if there are flowers, they are pretty much covered up by the weeds. I can't even tell myself that the Johnson grass growing there is really pretty. I need to do something about it. My life is just like that flowerbed. I get myself all in shape, (God wise not physical shape) My devotional life will be in a good place and I feel like I can take a bit of time to do other things than start my day off with my Bible and notebook and prayer. Small weeds start growing but I am so busy looking at the flowers I don't even notice a stray weed or two,
Thank you for stopping by to read my ramblings. I should change the name of my blog on these days to " Ramblings from the Funny Farm."
Have a lovely Thursday,
~Kim~
22 comments:
Hi Kim, this is a refreshing and honest post. I think it's safe to say we've all been there, over and over! Just part of life in this crazy old world of ours. Brother Lawrence "Practicing the Presence of God" is probably the one I most hope to emulate. I think this is why Ann Voskamp got started on her 1,000 things to praise God for . . . we are all in it together! It's so good to have others to "talk" about it to on these blogs. Blessings to you today!
Me again . . . I just went to visit Ann, and guess what she opens her post with - a mention of Brother Lawrence: http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/10/when-youre-missing-feeling-loved-how-to-practice-the-presence-of-god-pt-2/
Girlfriend, you are way ahead of the game just realizing you have idols...If there is no reflection and honest self feedback there is no hope in change...I think this post could apply to all Christians if we are honest with ourselves...We all fight to stay ahead of the weeds (spiritually) but thank the Good Lord He knows we are made of clay and He is gentle and kind with us and keeps encouraging us to put Him first....This was for me today....
i think we all twist ourselves into knots over worries and frets and forget to focus on peace from inside. *sigh*
I read something very similar about idols last week My Ordinary Country life.
Hmm wonder if that is a sign for me too , will have to take a moment and reflect.
I think we all could have written this post Kim, Thanks for the reminder.
Johnson grass is one of the hardest grasses to get rid of, my flower beds have plenty of this.~smile~
Blessings,
Sue
I have learned over the years that God has tightened my list, as I give up more to Him and less to other things in my list.
You are right about the flowers and weeds thing, though. My garden is upset with me.
Kim, I think that you have a discerning heart. There's nothing wrong in seeing only the flowers and enjoying them like a child. I find it refreshing that you can do that. You always put your family first so I don't think that you you are at the top of the list...
Of course, the weeds eventually take over because they want to be noticed too. lol...
Working in the garden when the sun is so hot and dry isn't safe.
I always wish that I had a portable shade to block off the sun when I weed.
You are one special lady and you always leave me with something for reflexion. Balancing everything is nor an easy task. Have a peaceful day.
Hugs & love
JB
hehe....i like that name!!
you have nothing to worry about kim, i think you are right where you are suppose to be, doing the things that need to be done. be sure and have fun, it's the fuel for happiness!!
Heavy post Kim but a much needed one. I agree with Debbie though Kim and I think you've used moderation in your hobbies and likes.
Thanks for sharing and giving me something to ponder.
Hugs, Noreen
Hi Kim,
You are a wise person to recognize that we need that quiet time to reflect on things. I sometimes think it doesn't even matter what we reflect on... as long as we are quiet and let our minds work everything over. Sometimes there are no solutions and sometimes our minds work overtime. When that happens I tell my mind "enough already" and go hook on my rugs and do needlework.
Hoping you find peace and know you are not alone!!
Hugs!!
Cathy G
Your post brings to mind a hymn we sing which always causes me to think like you
The dearest idol I have known
What e'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
And worship only Thee.
Then shall my walk be close with God
Calm and serene my frame,
And purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.
Such a heart-felt, and thoughtful post. Thank you.
It's good to re-evaluate where we are going, and how we are getting there, and then ponder our choices, and make different ones if we need to.
I personally need to correct my path, quite often :)
{{hugs}}
Kerin
So well said Kim! I know I'm frequently guilty of this too. I love the way you compared it to the garden.
Thank you for your kind words on my blog. It has been a year of changes for everyone in our family, but God is so good :)
Blessings,
Marcia
I think our faith journey is on-going. Isn't it good that we have room to grow?
xo Nellie
My jaw hurts, too! I've been wearing my clench guard but with allergies this time of year and aches and pains, I must clench up a storm all night long!
It's good to remember that He can do everything and we can do nothing without Him.
Great analogy! We do get sidetracked, don't we? Isn't it a comfort to know that our God is patient and that He is always there when we realize it. And then receives us again with grace and mercy and love.
a very good post..,,,,,
my weeds so often look like a garden,
I wonder if there are any flowers left!
hugs!
Wonderful analogy ... and a reminder for us all.
Thank you for this post today, Kim! I am where you are right now. Fortunately, God is ever patient and always there. xo
We can all relate to those feelings. Life gets so busy(or we allow it to get busy) and we lose track once in awhile.
From a link to a link I found your blog and read this post with both a smile and a sense of guilt. The computer and all things related to it can become an idol without realizing it. I have set some limits for my self...and I can so relate to my real weedy garden and the one in my heart too. Glad I stopped by!
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