Blessed or self-sufficient?

My rolling cart was weighted down more than normal - the class I was teaching required extra materials. Pushing the elevator button, I had a bad feeling that something wasn't working right when the button didn't stay lit. Pressing it again, and yet again, I silently prayed, "Lord, please - my cart is too heavy - I have too much stuff for the stairs."

A fourth press confirmed there would be no elevator service. I trudged to the stairs dragging the cart and my soured attitude along. I left the cart at the top and took my purse, coffee cup and computer bag down the first flight to the landing. Returning to the top, I hoisted the cart, and one step at a time, made my way to the landing. As I took a break to catch my breath and consider the additional flight of stairs, a passerby offered his help. "No thanks," I proudly said, "I've got it". After all, accepting help would shut down the pity party already in progress and show my weakness - my need for others. I am competent - self-sufficient - able to handle all that comes my way!

A second man stopped to offer help. A nudge from the Holy Spirit reminded me of something I had read that morning. Something that caused me to set aside my pride and accept.

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"Blessed are the poor in spirit..."

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Just that morning, as I read through the beatitudes in Jesus' sermon on the Mount, I stopped to ponder these words. What does that mean, to be poor in spirit? I did a quick word search and found this definition:

"the opposite of self-sufficiency"

Jesus was specifically speaking of our spiritual bankruptcy apart from God... it is only when He gives us eyes to see this bankruptcy that we are able to cry out to Him in faith to receive the help we so desperately need.

Yes, too often, and especially as Americans - we esteem self-sufficiency... independence... lone-ranger mentality. But we were not designed or created to stand alone. We were created to glorify the Creator - through our intimate relationship with Him and as we interact with others. In His goodness - He saw my need - and sent help not once - but twice! And I was blessed, indeed!

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." ~ Matthew 5:3

A Psalm of Praise

A few weekends ago, I snuck away on a spiritual mini-retreat. Mepkin Abbey is a trappist monastery on the Mepkin Plantation. The grounds feature lovely gardens, which sit along the Cooper River, just north of Charleston. I have retreated there for several day trips and am never disappointed!

I had read in Discipleship Journal about reading through Ps. 136 and then creating your own "verses". Here are mine:

To Him who made green grasses and trees,
His steadfast love endures forever!

To Him who knew I needed a day of rest and restoration,
His steadfast love endures forever!

To Him who kept me from going to Germany,
His steadfast love endures forever!

It is He that knows what is best for me and the plans He has for me.
His steadfast love endures forever!

To Him who convicts us of our sin, and disciplines His children,
His steadfast love endures forever!

To Him that is my source of life and source of true joy,
His steadfast love endures forever!

Lover of my soul, to You alone belongs all the glory and praise! Thank You that Your love does endure forever! Bless the Lord, oh my soul! Bless the Lord!

Bridled like a mule or a horse

Several years ago, a bunch of my family gathered in Phoenix, AZ. One of our outings together was to rent horses and go for a ride in the desert. I loved to ride, so I was quite excited for the adventure!

Unfortunately, the horses weren't as excited about the trip. Some of the horses just plodded along - not responding to any nudging for a faster ride. BORING! Others, like mine, kept feeling the urge to explore "off-path". The result: crazy jumping cactus pines in their hooves and around their legs. Needless to say - it was quite a disappointment - for both us, and I imagine, the horses too!

This morning, I was reading through some Psalms and I came across this verse:

Ps. 32:8-9 (ESV) ~ "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed wtih bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you."

As I pondered what that meant, I thought of two things: 1) my horse ride in the desert on a disobedient horse, and 2) a stubborn mule (see photo above). Anyone who has ever been around a stubborn mule knows exactly what I'm talking about! What a clear picture of how NOT to react to the Lord's leading!

So, if not a stubborn mule, what then should I look like in my walk with the Lord? Lola. No, that's not an acronym, but rather the name of a beautiful dog my friend Gina owned. Lola was a golden retriever that loved her master. Not that she was perfect - but she was one of the best behaved and loyal dogs I've ever seen. She stuck to Gina, following her everywhere. (Note number one: she followed.) She also obeyed Gina's commands. (Note 2: she obeyed) As a result - both parties found joy in the relationship. Now, it's not a perfect analogy, I know - but if I were to follow and obey my Master, like Lola followed and obeyed hers, I would avoid the stubborn mule syndrome and also experience joy!

Oh Lord, I know that You will counsel me and direct my steps. Please help me to walk in a manner worthy of the calling which I have received - so that I neither need tethered or drug back on course. Help me to do as the Proverb counsels: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." (Prov. 3:5-6)

Mule picture courtesy www.virtualhorses.com

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