All of these specific laws and instructions are preparing the people for what God is calling them to be and for the tabernacle which is to come. God was preparing them, calling them to be holy. I still get blown away by God's details. He loves them so much that he lays it all down. He gives them specific instructions and guidance on how he wants them to live.
Last night Jeffrey and I were laying in bed talking. I do a really bad job of giving him what he needs sometimes. I spend most of my day encouraging others, loving on my little Bees, taking care of the kids and doing what needs to be done. By the time he gets home at night, I have very little left.
Last night it hit me. I used to be this way with God. Before August I wasn't reading my Bible daily. I wasn't praying daily. I wasn't giving him what he expected from me.
I told Jeffrey my "woe is me tale". I used the excuse that I wasn't perfect and this is what he said...
"I don't expect you to be perfect, I just expect you to use opportunities when you have them to talk to me and listen to me and spend time with me."
Ouch.
But isn't that so true not only in my marriage but in my relationship with God.
Jeffrey knows I am not perfect. He knows that I am tired at the end of a long day. But surely I can find 5 minutes to sit and talk with him, to give him my undivided attention, to share with him that I love him...
In any relationship (with God, our spouse, our friends), we have to give them our best. Some nights my best may be planning a nice night out away from the kids. Some nights it may be talking to him while we are making lunches for the next day. Some days I give God lots of time in his word, prayer and reflection and some days I can only call out his name in a silent prayer during a difficult time.
Neither Jeffrey nor Jesus expect me to be perfect. Today I will stop using that as an excuse to not give them what I can.
Lord, help me today to see opportunities to show you how much I love and care for you. Lord help me not to be tired, rushed, and full of excuses that disqualify me. Father help me to be a good wife, friend and mother. Drive out the enemy that loves to hide in the business of my day. Lord tame my tongue. Help me to speak words that others need to hear. Help me to be the salt and light. Thank you for your love and for your grace and mercy. Thank you for not expecting perfection because you are the only perfect one. -Amen
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