It happened again. I read about something new. Something
really cool. Something that would’ve been fun to participate in. But I wasn’t
asked.
It wasn’t a slight against me—there is absolutely no reason
I should have been asked. And to be honest, being a part wasn’t even my first
thought. It was just something I was perusing…and then I saw her picture.
Ouch. I don’t like to admit that, even to myself, but the
feeling was there. Thankfully, so was logic. I asked myself why I felt like
that—I don’t have time for another commitment. My focus has been pulled
elsewhere this year, and I’ve accepted that because I know that’s where God has
moved me.
But that feeling…that niggling bit of why-not-me that gets
into my heart and then my stomach. I know it has to be stopped before it grows
into the monster jealously becomes.
So, I took it to God.
God, I know I
shouldn’t feel this way, but…why not me?
That’s not what I planned for you.
(Deep breath.)
You have planned other
things for me…places where I’m needed right now, things to do today, and
something for later which I don’t even know about yet.
That’s right.
(Another deep breath.)
Okay, thanks. I think
I’m good now.
Admit it.
Um, I just did—to You.
So…can You take away the icky feeling now?
Yes, but you need to admit it again so you can let it go.
(Sigh.) I know.
There really is something about shedding light to the dark
little parts I’d rather not tell you about.
Jealously is meant to be kept in the dark because there it
grows—fast and without being noticed. It’s harder to stop after it’s grown
vines around your heart and clouded your thinking. It overshadows common sense
and distorts perception.
It makes us think less of what God has purposed us for
because we’re focused on what someone else has.
Jealously causes us to lose what God has placed in front of
us—we miss out on His plan for us.
And the thing is, if it’s what God Himself designed, then
it’s better than what we see somewhere else—because His plans for you were not
meant for me, and His plans for me were not for you.
That’s the perfectness of God’s plans—they are specific for
each of us. God’s plans are personal—creatively thought out and set up individually—for you
and for me.
In Christ,
Laura
Linking up with Coffee For Your Heart, #TellHisStory, Give Me Grace, Unforced Rhythms, Sharing His Beauty, Winsome Wednesday, Everyday Jesus
Laura,
ReplyDeleteThank you for these words! It's hard sometimes to recognize that God's plan is uniquely for me and he tailored it with me in mind. When I look at my friends' lives to see all the good there, I might miss the good that's in right front of me. So true!
Laura, there is such a peace from acknowledging that God's plans are specific for us, unique to us & best for us. A wonderful reminder!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being vulnerable and sharing thsi. I'm encouraged and inspired as I see another sister in Christ turn to the Lord in the midst of disappointment. It's so hard in these kinds of moments to search for truth instead of rolling with the emotions. I know because I've been there too. May God bless all that He gives you to do in this season of life!
ReplyDelete