It’s day 23 since my in laws moved in and I’m learning to die daily, regularly. I understand why God had to do so much preparation in me for this season of my lifetime … because in order to be a positive witness to family that lives with us, it’s vital that I die daily to things that clearly matter more to Mindy (my mother in law) than they do to me. I choose whether or not I let the, what seems at times like non stop nagging, get to me. I have to come to appreciate it’s part of what makes her so sweet and adorable.
Her daughter informed me that she thinks she might “be OCD” to which I can confirm she becomes visibly mentally distressed when she doesn’t get what she wants. Either that or you’ll be told or asked countless times. I wrestle with self centered thoughts of spite throughout the day and by the grace of God, to Whom I give all credit and glory, I am able to love and be His hands and feet to my in laws.
We already had our first blow up which resulted in Andy giving me a funny face, bringing me back to a soft heart for the only two parents I ever remember living under one roof. Hugs, kisses, requests for forgiveness (a huge portion of humble pie) are all regular occurrences. And it’s been fun, exciting, challenging, but mostly been a catalyst to a level of happiness and freedom I don’t recall ever having in my life. It’s the manifestation of Ephesians 3:20 of being exceedingly, abundantly, above and beyond what I could ever dream or ask for!
And as the Lord blesses us, we use it to bless others here at our Shematz Sanctuary. We won’t be spending Thanksgiving alone again this year; family and friends are expected and I can hardly wait! It’s going to be a great day for fellowship, family, and food. The dinners I longed for, God has enabled me to facitiate for family, friends, and possibly others who don’t have plans.
I can still hardly believe that I’m living out what has been the desire of my heart the majority of my life: being a home maker, care taker, artist, therapist, coach, and professional helper … that has horses living on a farm. Thank you, Lord, and Steve. I know that the holidays are also a very hard time of the year for a lot of people. They were for me, as they were the times I tried to commit suicide, always directly followed by being told that I couldn’t, wasn’t wanted , or wasn’t invited to go by the guy who said he was going to marry me. The same one it took me over two years of professional therapy just to be able to call my fiancé, a trafficker.
However, God tells us that He will restore the ruins … evidenced by my life as a child of God.
Keeping our focus on Him, communicating daily, feeding our spirits, allowing the Holy Spirit to sift what we watch, think, and say. Surrendering all, everything. Whatever you’re holding back, ask Him to help you and He will. He’s drawn to the broken-hearted, to comfort and heal. Though the healing process is not easy mentally, emotionally or spiritually, my faith in Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit through the Word of God has increased with each trial, test, and tribulation. When our focus is on the only one that can calm the storm at His word, or your heart in the middle of it, we experience peace, joy and contentment.
When we’re in the middle of God’s perfect will doing whatever that is … student, disciple, athlete, abolitionist, survivor, teacher, driver, cook, writer, speaker, counselor, care taker, home maker, evangelist, pastor, administrator, we’ll experience peace, rest, joy, and contentment. When we’re striving, it results in anxiety, tension, pressure, and comparison. How you view your situation will affect how your body will react or respond. I’ll save going into holistic wellness for another blog.
My point is that your choice as to whether or not you’re going to be obedient to God’s Word and His guidance through the Holy Spirit (aka abiding) is determined by your attitude. Attitude, in some ways, really is everything. It was one of my favorite sayings when I was studying for my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Purdue and Indiana Universities, dancing on an off over a 7 year period. That too, is for another blog.
Back to attitude, it ultimately determines our perspective. Contentment rests on this and the byproduct is joy. Nothing compares to the joy of the Lord. When our focus is heavenly minded with eternal perspective, we’ll embrace wherever God plants us to advance His kingdom, whether this be in the corporate world, politics, or an inner city neighborhood, with a keen understanding that your purpose is to know God and to make Him known. From my perspective, we’re all called to full time ministry regardless of our title. We’re children of God called to be the light in a dark world, to shine for Christ, be His hands & feet, at all times.
This Thanksgiving season, my prayer is that you’d have a heart of gratitude for what you have been blessed with and even for those blessings that involved pruning. Having an attitude that blessings are to be shared because we don’t own anything, we’ve been entrusted with gifts from heaven. With your attitude aligning your perspective on the things of heaven, your perspective is guaranteed to improve … and it’s likely your feelings will follow. Embrace the journey, you could be about to experience a joy like nothing you’ve ever experienced.
From myself, Steve, our amazing volunteers, beautiful clients, and all the animals here at the Shematz Sanctuary, it’s our hope & prayer that you experience that joy this Thanksgiving!
~Julie
If you or your group would like to visit, please don’t hesitate to contact me, likewise if you would like me to pray for you! ~Julie
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