A friend of mine shared with me the story of her dear mother today. After purchasing a home for her, upgrading and painting the place, and moving her in, she is faced with the daunting task of transferring the boxes upon boxes of mom's "stuff" - (albeit, beloved tid-bits, knick-knacks, and memories), into this newly and lovingly prepared home. Having barely an aisle wide path to walk through from the kitchen to the bedroom, I sensed that my friend was overwhelmed with the amount of items she now had to deal with. She seemed tired in her will to wrestle with the stuff and exhausted in her body and soul to physically handle this effort. I could tell her spirit was becoming weary as she posed the question to me, "How can I tell Mom this stuff has to go?"
Since control is not the word to use here or the avenue to take in this situation, I suggested she use cooperation under pressure. Having the other person recognize the need to change (Mom, you don't need to keep Spot's old bone, he died 25 yrs ago) followed by a plan to implement the change (call a garbage truck or 1-800-JUNK) then follow through (Hello? I'd like to schedule a dump truck for Thursday morning, 10AM is fine. And oh, don't forget to take Spot's old bone too!) seems to be a good alternative to doing nothing.
Sometimes as Believers, we want to control our lives with the concept of being on an agenda [my way or the highway]. I'm not against agenda's per se, as we all need structure. I'm talking about the agenda we apply to running our own lives instead of allowing God to do so. Genesis 32: 24-32.
When I gave up my agenda [control] over to Jesus [submission, a yielded spirit], He was then able to direct my steps with my cooperation. His Spirit gently reminded me [spiritual pressure] to bid my way goodbye and to trust God with the plans and purposes of my life - which He knows exclusively. Jeremiah 29:11
What is it you're still controlling in your life and is it time to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in this area?
In Christ, Barbara Ries/Mother-Ministry-Realtor
- This blog is an extension of HOPE Ministry - Intimacy with God, and "The Secret Place" in which I devote my time and resources to teach women without charge. If through this effort the ministry has sown a blessing into your life, then I ask that you sow back into mine as it moves forward with the publication of devotionals for women.
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Hey Barbara, very interesting thoughts. We're kinda wrestling with something similar as far as what stuff to take to SC and what stuff to leave. When we go to FL, we're each only taking a duffle bag to get started. Everything has to be brand new for our life as a "retired couple." Sometimes starting fresh with none of your old baggage can be difficult emotionally. Thank God my mom is going to hold my paintings and computers for me. I have to admit I'm in angst over my drafting table. It was the first serious purchase I ever brought (was in High School, worked all summer for it). You'd think a 43 year old woman would not be upset about a battered drafting table, but the truth is almost every piece of art I have ever created was done right where I'm typing this blog-- on this table. They don't make them like this anymore... (sigh) I know exactly what your friend means... I know what you mean as well.