Hey Friend,
I finally found it...the copy of "Real Simple" magazine that I was hunting for through the cluttered pile of magazines and newspapers on my coffee table. Alas, there it is with the captions that had caught my eye. "A Place For Everything! Ingenious Organizing Systems To Clear The Clutter For Good".
Ironic, kind of, wouldn't you say? Just follow these ten easy steps and your life will be completely organized, miraculously changed and you will be a much happier person. I admit that I crave organization and simplicity, but my life and house are anything but organized and simple. I think it is in my DNA to be a clutter-bug?!
This trait, unfortunately, draws me into the "comparison game"...a deadly game at best. This is where I look around and compare myself to the other people, women in particular, that I see keeping tidy and organized lives and houses. Secretly I muse...they probably have a chore calendar for every day of the week and have all their meals planned out in advance. My method involves opening the freezer door and whatever falls out onto my feet is dinner for that evening.
In addition to comparing myself to others, I have had the audacity to compare myself to God...talk about an impossible mountain to climb! When I seek perfection in my life, I am being prideful and think that somehow I can achieve perfection on my own. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The truth is that God loves us in the midst of our messy lives. He is mindful of our frame and the messes we make of our lives. You see:
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
No matter how big or small the mess, we ALL fall short of the mark. Perfection-what we need to stand face to face with God is impossible for us to attain on our own. We NEED GRACE!
"Life isn't about getting it right - but about receiving grace." (A. Voskamp)
God's grace, like rain, falls down on the broken, the down-trodden, the despised, the lonely, those who have failed and yes, even the mess makers.
Read the Beatitudes (blessed are those...) and you see what a heart God has for those who struggle and come up short in life. All He wants is for us to turn to Him and He is ready and able to pour out His incredible love upon us.
If your life is a mess, rejoice, you are a great candidate for God's grace.
What changes do you need to make to lead a life governed by grace vs. a life that is dictated by the bar set by this world? Will you join me in inviting God's grace into your messy life? He's ready and willing to love on you...
Love,
Bev
