I really like it when life is a neat package, all tied up with a bow; when everything goes according to plan.
Of course, since part of spiritual maturity is that of learning to trust in the Lord, there will be seasons when my carefully scheduled day goes haywire.
When a series of such days are strung together, it’s easy to see what the Lord is after…trust and flexibility.
I recently heard an excellent illustration concerning this from Beth Moore. It’s from her “Beloved Disciple” Bible study. Here it is in a nutshell. You really need to hear her tell the story that goes along with it!
Every day, we get up and take up the “leash” of our plans and goals for the day.
We have it firmly in our grip.
We’re in control. 🙂
After a while, we begin to sense that something’s not quite right. Interruption follows interruption. One thing after the other has to be moved to tomorrow’s “to do” list; it certainly isn’t going to get done today.
We grip the leash tighter and determine to stay on task.
We will maintain control of our day.
More interruptions, more distractions – we begin to feel like we’re walking uphill in molasses in January. Every step is so laborious.
In frustration, we yank on the leash to gain better control…
…only to be smacked in the head by an empty collar!
We had control, all right – of the leash.
But the day had slipped it’s collar long ago and was off playing down the road!
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This was such a good description of life right now that I bought a collar (still need to get a leash). It hangs above my work table with a note on it that reads:
You may have complete control over the leash
But there’s nothing in the collar!
Let go!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Lean not on your own understanding
In all your ways acknowledge Him
And He will direct your paths
Proverbs 3:5,6
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There’s nothing like a good “visual” to help me remember the lesson I’m supposed to be learning!
What about you? Do you use visual reminders when you’re in a season of being trained?
Lessons by Heart 
-didn’t mean to post twice, just getting the hang of this 🙂
Post as many times as you like! I remember doing that a bunch in the beginning. I think every new blogger does it, so, no worries!
Besides, the second one had a great addition. I would have missed out if you’d opted not to post again! 🙂
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Praising Jesus – who often repeats Himself!
I always get caught up with crazyness when today’s “priorities” end up on tomorrow’s maybe list. But I know that I am most satisfied when I respond “yes, Lord” to God’s interruptions throughout my day. 30sec of my messed up plans can be such a great tool in the kingdom of God, 30sec to change a life, mine and whoever it is I step out to talk to.
*compassion is only an emotion, till you cross the road
it doesn’t count until your feet and hands move, so don’t just be a heartfelt person, be brave enough to cross the street
*(paraphrase, Undaunted by Christine Caine)
Hey, I really like that! It’s so true…and on many fronts.
We often sing a song at church with the lyrics: “I’m brave.” A couple of weeks ago, the pastor said that we can sing that until the cows come home, but until we step into the valley to face our giants, they’re just words.
I can see where “feeling” compassion is the same thing. Until we’re willing to step into someone else’s pain, it’s only a feeling.
Thanks for sharing that with me. I appreciate it.
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my hickup come when all the stuff gets shoved over to tomorrows list and I feel like a failure today, but I know that the most beautiful moments are when I allow God to interrupt my plans. 30secs of my messed up agenda can be a life changing moment of what God has in store for me, if I just say “yes, Lord.”
Letting God interrupt our “important” schedules is not always easy, is it? Yesterday was one such day here. I got very little “work” done…all the while doing kingdom work instead. Go figure!
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Wonderful visual – I’m not big on physical props so I rely more on pictures. I have already created a mental image of you being smacked in the head by an empty collar hahahah! .. Oh wait, it’s me.
You guys are hilarious! This turned out to be a fun post just for the comments it’s brought! 🙂
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Hm, I’m surrounded by anal people so I wonder if I could use this for protection. Just to be clear, I love these people, even when they drive me a little crazy. Empty leash… If I use this will it get me into the doghouse? Ha, this whole thing is so much fun, I think I will go use it. Thanks!
Peace
You made me laugh out loud! Let me know how that works out for you! 😀
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So far all I got was “interesting” so I haven’t unleashed any backlash (or is that backleash?).
Peace
Yesterday I found a leash that has lights in it…like the strips of lights used at Christmas. Mine is red.
I dragged the twinkling leash and empty collar into my piano teacher’s home yesterday. They, of course, wanted to know what on earth I was doing. Once I explained it, they got it! Such fun.
So glad you’ve had no backleash from your endeavors!
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Great visual! I have different ones and trade them around so they don’t become part of the background. One is a broken jar; one is a branch; one is a puzzle piece. They all serve the same purpose – to remind me to abide in Him.
That’s so cool! I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who does this!
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Good word, I posted on Social Networks etc,,,cannot seem to get FB link to work for me? Might want to check that out sister. TY for your posts.
Thanks for the reblog. I appreciate it! It posted to my facebook. Don’t know why that link isn’t working for you. Sometimes I have to start a new post and then reconnect my facebook or linked in accounts there. All this techie stuff – makes me crazy!
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Reblogged this on The Power and Presence Ministry and commented:
Amen always facing distractions…..
Thank you for your thoughts. Please consider the words of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 1:4, “Ephesians 1:4 New International Version (NIV)
“4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love.” It’s important for us to remember that we are not “the tail that wags the dog.” We should never be surprised when God puts a detour in our path, for the direction of His purpose. Blessings to you.
Pastor/Equipping The Saints
I hung the collar on the wall because this happens very often these days. It reminds me to let go. I don’t really control my schedule anyway!
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I know that. It is just a bit of encouragement.
Blesssings,
Yes, Lord, I will go and not I want a road map with the potty stops and eating times all planned out and where we will stay with reservations…. what, what do you mean “how about Abraham?”….. oh, you mean we get to go, not knowing where or how but WHO? Ohhhhhh KAY!
Yeah, I know a bit about how Abraham felt right now. Leaving behind the familiar and moving out into the unknown. It’s exciting!
How you doin’, Little Miss?
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Doing well, thanks – got my newest book, Afternoon Whispers from the Heart of God in my hands Saturday! AND my blood sugars are finally behaving better! Gos is SO good!!!
Yay!!! 🙂
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