If you're a Facebook friend and you read my status today, you already know it's Kenya's birthday. Happy 39th Birthday Boo! And every year, we have a tradition we keep. Those who are close to us know what it is and have tried to change it from time-to-time.
They think it's sweet, but that we should veer from the norm and do something different. But we like what we do and it's special to us.
Well, I remember one year taking the advice of a well-meaning persistent relative. They wouldn't stop pressing the issue, so we caved under pressure and took their suggestion. We ended up at some swanky spot. It was nice, but things felt forced and we weren't comfortable. Kenya and I longed for our tradition the whole time and vowed not to break it again unless we both felt like we wanted and needed to.
I think this lesson carries over to every area of our lives. We have to be careful not to allow others to dictate our course. Although they might love us and think they know what's best for us, we know deep in our hearts what brings us peace. But people have a way of stirring up discontent, anxiety, and unrest in us, don't they? Because of their ideas and nudging, we can begin thinking we're missing out on something, or that we need to do things a different way; when, in fact, we're not missing out on anything at all.
The tragedy is, we often don't discover we were right all along about what we should be doing until we go and mess something up. Then we emphatically say, "Never again!"
We should have just said no in the first place.
The takeaway? Letting outside forces push us along a path we know we don't want to travel is unhealthy. We would do well to learn how to smile and just say, "Thank you for that suggestion but I think I'm going to do it another way." Instead, when we're under someone else's influence, we get antsy and began second-guessing ourelves. "Maybe their right." "Perhaps I should change direction."
Instead of driving ourselves crazy, we should seek God in prayer for everyday matters of life.
That's why I'm adding Philippians 4:6-7 NIV to your cup of inspiration which says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Make it a habit to ask God what you should do and wait for His leading. One thing about the Lord is, He will never steer you wrong.
Lord, thank You for Your word and the privilege to seek You regarding all matters of life. I pray that You will give me the strength and focus I need to avoid distractions, diversions, and outside pressure to go in a direction You have not sent me. Today, I say yes to Your will and no to everything and everyone who will try to cause my foot to slip off the path You have set before the foundation of the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
