That title probably makes you think I'm going to talk about soul searching, or something like that, but this will be an entirely different conversation. I want to talk about the skin-deep, knee-jerk reactions which reveal our worst character flaws. I have a problem, friends. I have a problem with being patient when I am mistreated. I have a problem when a product or service doesn't live up to my expectations. I am ashamed to admit it, but my lack of character is revealed in those moments. If I believe as I say I do, my gut response to disappointment and mistreatment should not be anger. And yet, I struggle. I have some shining moments where I let peace reign, but my whole body screams, "Bring it!" when my buttons get pushed in just the right way. The problem is, simply, me. I am in the way of God's grace and mercy, showered on me in every circumstance with reckless generosity, but doled out by me to others, conditionally. Oh, Lord, take me deeper. Deeper into Who You are, into the waters of Your love and grace and mercy. Oh, Lord, take me deeper, until my roots dwell fully in the life-giving springs of Your love, until all of me is buried in the rich, soil of Your Presence. Take me deeper until all that my life yields is sweet, nourishing fruit, that the world may know You through me.
Blessings, Friend.