Those shoes!
We had been talking about being “kingdom minded” at Bible Study~ keeping your heart and mind on “things above.” We talked about how meaningless things of the world can be when your focus is on the Kingdom of God. My friend, Kim, had been telling us that she was trying to look at life in comparison to eternity. She asked, “In light of eternity, does it really matter that much that my son’s room isn’t picked up perfectly? Do I need to get upset over it? Is this really going to matter in the Kingdom?”
Well, the next morning, as I was picking up my husband’s shoes, AGAIN, to replace them on the shoe rack, I was starting to grumble and complain. “Why can’t everyone pick up after themselves? Why do I have to do everything?!” I was getting ready to throw a real pity party!
Then, God reminded me of the previous night’s conversation about keeping our focus on the Kingdom of God, and not on daily trials and irritations. I thought, “Does this really matter that I have to pick up my husband’s shoes? In light of eternity, is it really important?”
And, God said, “Yes!”
But, the messy shoes weren’t important to God in the way I expected. In fact, the lesson God taught me was the opposite of what my flesh wanted to hear.
God spoke scripture to me right away. “Do everything (EVERY THING– even picking up someone else’s messes) without arguing or complaining so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life.” Philippians 2:14-16). Messy shoes ARE important to God, at least regarding to me, because He is watching my reaction to them.
God also reminded me of the scripture, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion (or with a complaining heart) for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2Corinthians 9:6-7. I have decided in my heart to give grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and love to others, especially my family and to give them generously and cheerfully. It is my heart’s desire to please God. I want Him to say, “Well done My good and faithful servant.” I want to live my life for Him (with Him and through Him). So, although messy shoes don’t or won’t matter much in the Kingdom of God, my response to them will!
Father, I love You and praise You. I pray that I will “do everything without arguing or complaining.” I pray that I will become more like you- full of love and rich in mercy. Help me to give grace to others freely, in the way that You have so generously given to me. I love You Lord, and I thank You for Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Points:
How could you do better with sowing grace, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, and love with others, especially family?
Have there been any situations when you have been continually complaining? How can you change that attitude of complaining to one of gratitude?
I would love for you to visit my personal blog, Thirsty for Him!
Really lovely my friend, be blessed.
Tracy,
You sure stepped on my toes. Picking up stuff after my husband and a common thing around our house and sometimes it just irritates the stew out of me. I’ll think differently about it from now on. You are a blessing to me.
Leah
I am not trying to justify this behaviour, rather trying to verify the relevance of all you’ve just shared…
What mom HASN’T uttered those very words, “Why do I have to do everything?!”
I’m almost positive there is no role more selfless than that of a mother. And know how far I have to grow in selflessness as I too find myself throughout the day wondering WHY I am the only one who can load the dishwasher, pick dirty clothes up off the bathroom floor and move shoes off to the side of the porch so we can actually exit our home.
I will keep these passsages at the forefront of my mind today…
Thank you Tracy for this-
Yes! I love this! I am continually saying, “In the big picture, does this matter?” And I remind myself that these little things that I let bug me, could actually be God giving me an opportunity to bless that person. Your hubby is so blessed to have someone who will simply put his shoes up for him rather than making a major issue out of it!
Thanks!
HI THIS REALLY TOUCHED MY HEART. I HAVE BEEN A PERSON THAT COMPLAINS ABOUT EVERYHTING. I THINK MY COMPLAINING STARTED AS A LITTLE GIRL, AS THAT IS ALL I EVER HEARD MY MOM DO. THAT STATEMENT IS NOT AN EXCUSE! I’M GOING TO TRUST IN JESUS TO FORGIVE ME OF MY COMPLAINING, AND TO HELP ME TO STOP IT ONCE AND FOR ALL. I SEE THAT AS A SIN IN MY LIFE. I BELIEVE THE LORD SENT ME TO YOUR PAGE TODAY TO READ THIS VERY ARTICLE. THANK-YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR WORDS. LOVE, SPEAK TO ME. (MICHELE)
I love your devotionals Tracey. This one spoke to my heart. It is so easy to get caught up in fussing about the little things – and all the while God wants to use them to grow us.
Thanks.
Tracy,
Girl, I am a world class complainer. It is only by the Lord and His power, I am able to let go of all the silly stuff. Thank you for this reminder. Great post. PS. Love the pic! *grin*
*sigh* I had these same thoughts too until God reminded me of what it means to be a servant!
Where do I start? This has been a difficult beginning to what promises to be a loooonnnnnggggg summer. But rather than kick against the goads, I’m praying like mad for God to give me the grace and willingness to receive the portioned cup.
I love your thoughts in this post. Thank you for writing it.
peace~elaine
Great, great post and one I needed t hear tonight. It’s one of those nights where I’m so tired I can hardly see straight and as I was making all the preparations for tomorrow morning (packing lunch, laying out clothes, etc…) I had definitely “lost my joy” a bit. Yes, definitely grumbling, too. I thought I was too tired to even turn on the computer, but I think God prompted that just so I would see your post. = )
Thanks,
Tracy
I loved and hated this post. 🙂 Obviously the “hated” part is because I have also thought many of the things you mentioned. Even though we may not think things are good in our lives, God has everything planned to form our character, doesn’t He? Even if it is picking up after our family members! 🙂
You know, I used to complain a lot too! But then I thought about how God felt when He constantly would here my nagging voice (I always just complaint in my head 😀 ). Now I just think about the Scripture passage of Philippians you have shared with us – and I will do everything without arguing…it sure helps to have Scriptures passages in the heat and heart 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your honest heart with us…and the reminder to do everything with a cheerful heart 🙂