So my last entry was entitled “who cut in on you?” And, sure enough I was cut in on from seemingly every direction!
I can include some spiritual warfare, some criticism from outside. And, most importantly and pernicious- from within! As an example of what happens let me use what happens inside when I play golf. Let me just say I don’t have the best “mental game.” I have been told I have a smooth swing. Most of the time it feels that way. But, it would be nice to put three nice swings together. I have been known to pull off some trick shots that even I don’t believe. “No I did not throw the ball out of the woods!” I have said. I recall C.S. Lewis’ “Screwtape Letters” and conceptualize my own little demon sitting on my shoulder telling me what I cannot possibly do. However crazy it may sound I have given “it” a name- that is “idgit.” As in “knock it off idgit.” Of course, I realize it is really me telling me what I cannot do which is more infuriating. I found though that most golfers (even the pros) need to go through some mental calisthenics to get from point a to point b. Especially as it relates to putting…But, that is merely my example of being side-tracked which is obviously easy to do…
My goal was to write a blog and perhaps other things. And, to open myself up to more ministry-related opportunities. And, I got derailed. It seems I am in good company. When the good is staring us in the face…evil is right there with us. When there are certain steps we need to take are clear we can become distracted. Obstacles and irritations occupy our time and we may give up.
In my golf outings this year which number three (9 holes each) I have had 2 birdies. I have not had a birdie since I was 17 years old. That says a lot about my mental game. My strategy was a) hit the ball as far as possible off the tee b) try to extricate myself from the woods! c) aim to drill it into the hole once on the green. I had not realized until recently that my “plan” was always one of attack which is very much at odds with my personality.
So, I have adjusted my strategy. I don’t think I ever realized that option! Irons off the tee instead of trying to cut a dog leg or go over trees…unheard of! But, hey 2 birdies in 27 holes compared to 1 birdie in 2700+ holes (estimate since started at 12 years old). Allowing for 2 putts instead of going for broke and double bogeys.
Am I older and wiser or becoming more self-aware or both? Probably. But, also when I feel that I am attacked from all sides I pray more. And, I ask what God is trying to reveal to me or asking me to change. Not anyone’s favorite questions I imagine. It is difficult. Becoming more or let’s say what God created us to be is painful. As we sometimes believe we are already there. Surely I am patient enough, kind enough. I have certainly gone through enough character building and suffering. Probably not! Jesus told his followers that in this world they would have trouble. And, sure enough! We cannot expect any less. But, he also said he would never leave us! He will come with us as we make difficult changes. He will be there as we face our weaknesses and sins time and again. He is there and won’t be bothered by an idgit. He has overcome the evil one and death itself!
The question to ask at this point is- “what is my life strategy?” What type of plan have we adopted? Are we even aware of how we ourselves operate? It is easy to continue doing what we have always done. But, have we allowed God to work in and through us? Or, is it entirely our game plan…how is that working out for us? Jesus is waiting for you to invite Him in. My guess is you will be surprised at the transformation and blessings.
partofHISstory 