Last night I learned a very valuable lesson in friendship. It is three-fold: 1) A friendship is only as good as each person’s ability to send and receive accurate message; 2) True love is void of self, asking nothing in return; and 3) There is no replacement for honesty. The story surrounding this lesson is long and involved, but I am so thankful that God is so able to bring about things like resolution, forgiveness and change. I have long since realized that I cannot change people and I am thankful for this. If I could change people I would have them be only how I want them and only to do what makes me happy. With God in charge all of life is better off, for the creation is bound to obey the Creator. I have been feeling rather small lately in relational problems that I have been having. Feeling that I cannot do anything to help these situations. But God showed me that if I am empty of my selfish preoccupations and willing to obey His will that He will use me. I get so consumed with my desires and totally concerned with life happening in a way that leans toward my favor. Last night I was so convicted of this error in my ways. This justification of my selfishness when I say “All I’m asking is______”. I realize how easily my wants, felt needs and seemingly-good expectations get in the way of what God is accomplishing in my life. I do not want to miss the work He is doing. I want to work with Him.

I was especially challenged and encouraged by something that Bobby wrote on Psalm 116:5-7 “Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” Bobby wrote, “Life is a gift. Sometimes we take that for granted. We think that we are entitled to everything we have. However, we should not forget that as sinners what we truly deserve is death…It is only when we comprehend our desperate condition on death’s door that we seriously consider turning to the Lord. He is the giver of all life, the savior of every damned soul…On our own we would be in distress, but knowing who God is gives us rest. God is the antithesis of who we are as humans, and the answer to all of our needs. We can be comforted by His character; we can find hope in how perfect He is.”(To read in full, please visit [1] Godsong)

I have had a rather trying day . Due to a late and complex evening I had a difficult time getting to sleep. Waking up late this morning, attempting to get myself together for work on time, I went to get dressed and was greeted by a huge cockroach in my closet. I use the term ‘huge’ because this is only the third cockroach I have seen in my life. I’m not sure if I can use the word ‘gigantic’ because my family in Texas has probably seen cockroaches of disturbing proportions. All of that to say, it was the biggest one I’ve ever seen and I had this moment of panic, due mostly to it’s size. I am not too bug-fussy, I’ll smash them or get the “bug vaccum”…but this?? I didn’t know if I should smash it or saddle it up and ride it! I thought through my options and decided that if I chose to smash, it would make a sickening sound and the mess would be disgusting. Instead I trapped it under a jar and it was later deposited back outside where it belongs. Hoping my bug problems were over and frustrated that I was running late, I made it to work and determined to make the most of my morning. Popping the lid from my insulated cup I began to take a sip when I noticed an ant swimming around in my English breakfast tea.

I am happy to report that my day has gotten much better. I am looking forward to a quiet night at home with my Bobby, laundry to do, and a good book to read. I will be reminding myself and I hope you will too… Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.