Beyond

　
Do you ever look back on some months and wonder how so many things could go wrong in four short weeks?

We’ve not had a record month, but we’ve had our share of days where we just shook our heads and sighed…”Really!!”

We’ve had a busted toe, a trip to the ER, and slip down the stairs. All this to one kid.

We’ve had things to fix. Brakes and hubs and car a/c to repair.

We’ve had days of noses turned up at the food set before them. Mouths saying “I don’t really care for that.” They get points for being polite about it, but scolding because they should just be grateful they aren’t going to bed hungry.

In other words….we’ve had LIFE this month.

We’ve also had a choice.

We chose between dwelling in the moment or looking beyond.

If we choose to dwell we get stuck. Stuck in the moment of the hurt toe or the milk spilled on the carpet.

We lose ourselves.

We put on the blinders that cause tunnel vision.

These are the times when the careless words come. These are the moments when the ugly rises.

Choosing to look beyond?

Well that’s a horse of a different color.

When we choose those places beyond the ugly moment, we choose grace over condemnation and gratitude over complaint.

We are thankful that the toe was only smashed and not lost. We are thankful that the fall was from the bottom step and not a tumble from the top and that it was just a scrape on the back and not a broken back. We are thankful that the brakes didn’t go out while we were driving down the road. We are thankful that we have the knowledge and means for repairing our vehicle. We are thankful for full bellies and dirty dishes.

When we look beyond…..

When we look beyond we see Jesus.

　

　

　

　

Choosing to look beyond today,

Tracey

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Here’s a little side note for you…..

I keep a print of this little poem posted above my kitchen sink….

Thank God for dirty dishes,

They have a tale to tell.

While others may go hungry,

We’re eating very well.

With home and health and happiness,

I should not want to fuss.

For by the stack of evidence,

God’s been very good to us.

-Unknown



　

　
It's Friday, and that means I get to visit with a great group over at Lisa-Jo Baker's place. A place where the words flow like fresh water for my soul and encouragement abounds. I look forward to meeting here each week to read the God-given words of the women He's using to change the world.
Wont' you join us?