The problem with convenience in our spiritual walk

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A few years ago, there was an independently owned bookstore near my home. I loved visiting this store. It had a cozy atmosphere with free coffee and comfortable chairs.

I always lost track of time browsing through the aisles of books from every genre. Hours would go by as I immersed myself in the imaginative world of authors.

This store was unique, as they had an entire section devoted to local writers who would occasionally stop by to sign books. It was one of the features I loved.

Not long after opening, a well-known bookstore opened a few blocks away. The independent bookstore closed not long after. It did not close because of high prices or a lack of books.

It was about convenience.

Stop seeking your self-worth in others

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When I was in eighth grade, my mom bought me a book titled The Cat ate my Gymsuit by Paula Danziger. It’s about Marcy Lewis, a young girl on the verge of adolescence who struggles with her weight and self-esteem.

She is always inventing reasons to be excused from gym class so she doesn’t have to be subjected to jokes about her weight. Through a series of events, and with the help of an English teacher, Marcy learns to accept her body and stand up for herself.

Mom bought me this book because she thought I could identify with Marcy, and she was right. Not only did I have weight and self-esteem issues, I made excuses to be dismissed from gym class for the same reason. The words of my peers hurt, and I let it define who I was.

I never did possess any amount of athletic abilities, and the days I did participate in gym, usually ended in humiliation.

The beauty of being different

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Have you ever looked at a flower? I mean really looked at one. Head to your nearest flower right now and peer into the depths of its beauty.

On top of the rose stem sits a beautiful piece of artwork. From beginning to end, petals gracefully fold into each other creating a stunning design. The petals are delicate and can easily be broken from a simple touch or a slight breeze. Yet, this flower is magnificently designed by the master’s hand. It is perfect.

Standing tall is the lily. Its long and stunning petals curve backwards beckoning the admirer to gaze upon its beauty. This flower is also magnificently designed by the master’s hand. It is perfect.

These flowers were given to us from our Father. We enjoy their beauty and breathe in the sweet smelling aroma that flows from their petals.

Derailed

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My sister and I purchased tickets months ago to attend a Christian conference in our hometown. I marked the date on my calendar and explained to family and friends that I would not be available that day.

I anticipated the short departure from my busy life to focus on God and his Word. I was sure I was going to receive a great revelation during the conference that would change my life.

On the morning of the event, I packed my bible and a notebook and met my sister at a local restaurant for breakfast. We were happily discussing the day’s events when I received a phone call that call changed the course of my day. I had no choice but to abandon my eagerly awaited plans with my sister.

Has this ever happened to you? You plan and plan for an event and, at the last minute, it unravels right in front of you. This is what happened to me that day – only with a twist. While I was busy with my unexpected plans, I was again taken in a different direction by another phone call.