Back in 2012, I had high hopes for 2013. I said to a friend several times, "It really can't get worse" while freaking out, hyperventilating or crying. Speaking now from experience, never, I repeat, never say that. EVER! I appreciate the sick sense of humor the Lord has and my parents instilled in me because now, I laugh. And I laugh often because "it" can get worse if that's how I choose to look at life. Or I can choose to look at my life each day as it comes and be grateful for the numerous blessings that surround every ounce of my being. I am learning to trust the Lord daily. Living in the present with Him and truly depending on his provisions day to day has been freeing. During the days of "it can't get worse," my relationship with the Lord was not based on dependence and trust because I was still speaking the words "I can handle this; I can control this; I've got this" and not "God's got this; He's taking care of me; I trust you, Lord." Now, my trust isn't perfect every day and I have to check myself when I feel the tension in my arms, back or chest, but I'm better. I'm closer to where I want to be and where God wants me to be, but the only way I've gotten here is through reading His Word.
I have to work at living day to day. This may sound silly, but day to day living isn't structured enough for me. There's no planning... and that's just uncomfortable. What am I supposed to do with my time. Oh. wait. Maybe this is where I find more time to live in God's Word building a relationship with Him. I mean, He is the one who created me and planned this life for me. It seems like it would make sense to listen to Him. I joked many times about seeking the Lord in 11:11 while I was changing through 12:34. My jokes have come to pass. 11:11is the structure I needed to live in Him day to day.
As I began my new adventure, Luke 11:11 immediately spoke to me. You fathers - if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Just imagine who my parents are: If I asked them for a fish, my parents wouldn't settle on a goldfish. They would gift me with a Blue Marlin from the Marlin Capitol of the World in Cabo San Lucas. I thank my Heavenly Father daily for the parents He blessed me with on earth. My parents are kind, giving, loving, supportive, encouraging, loyal, funny... I could go on and on. As other positive qualities pop in your head, assign them to my parents, too, because that's who they are. Many times in life, when I have disappointed myself, I'm heartbroken over the idea of disappointing my parents; even worse, embarrassing them. The unconditional love and support they've given me at even my worst moments...times...years... is beyond words. They love me. Period. How wonderful it is to be raised by parents who want only the best for me; who want me to be happy; who want for me what I want for me.
Because my parents loved me above all else, 1 Peter 4:8 is easy to comprehend. Above all, love each other warmly, because love covers many sins.
Heavenly Father, I thank you for blessing me with my parents. I ask you to watch over them. Keep them safe and healthy. I pray your healing hands touch their entire bodies. I pray that they feel your presence and your love thoroughly enveloping them. In Jesus Name, Amen.
