“For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the world; walk as children of light… trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8 & 10 (NASB)
Picking strawberries was the last thing I felt like doing after a busy week as a counselor at teen camp. But they glistened in the sun and let me know that the birds and bunnies would gladly take my place if I didn’t. I groaned at the thought of how many there were and how long it would take. A gentle prodding from our Lord reminded me that it was, after all, my idea to plant them and my enjoyment to eat them.
It never ceases to amaze me how I could complete one row, bucket filled to the brim, then backtrack only to find one here that I missed, two under there, one more over here. And all the while I thought I was finished.
How like our lives is that berry patch when we have a daily walk with the Lord and are earnestly trying to learn what is pleasing to Him! Just about the time we think we have reached a level of ‘goodness’ (our measure, not His) and begin to glory in a bit of piety, He taps us on the shoulder and says, “But what about this. . . and this?”
The life of the Christian involves constant changing, learning, and growing – gradually becoming more like the Christ we live to serve. How will we ever become that person if we turn our backs on those things that are too hard …or too unpleasant …or too painful?
Lord, some of us may think we’ve ‘arrived’ and don’t need any more changing. Since You know what a joke that is, You may have to tap a little harder. But thank You for not giving up on us. Amen.
Rosi is a mother of 4, grandmother of 14, and great-grandmother of 8 and is blessed far beyond what she could have ever imagined. She is a journeywoman who continues to grow and learn and be the recipient of amazing grace. Rosi’s daughter, Emma Barnhart, attended the May 2013 Legacy Retreat® with her family. You can follow Rosi’s personal blog here.
