It is for Freedom!

Since my last post had a similar theme, you can easily figure out where I am in my own life right now.  I guess it could be summed up as practical living in the every day details of life, with Christ at the center.

The latest lesson came as I prepared to clean our tub.  My normal routine is to clean only the tub portion one week, while doing both the tub and shower walls the next.  I used to do it all every time, realized it isn’t needed that often, and gave myself the privilege of an easier week every other week.

When I’m going on a trip, I like to make sure the house is cleaned just before I leave so it will be clean when I return, and I won’t have to add that into my schedule.  Since we are preparing for a trip next week, this was on my mind as I debated whether to clean the walls today or just before we leave.  Then it hit me, and I spoke out loud to myself, “Kay, you don’t have to do it either time, if you don’t want to!”  What a revelation!

Of all things, I have made this a law for myself.  But God doesn’t care if I let it go for weeks at a time, especially if doing the “big” job will steal my peace when I have a tight schedule.  He’s all about my living in peace, you know – and certainly not into my losing it to a less than sparkling shower wall!  I hope you’re laughing at me by now, because I’m sure laughing along with you.

There are bound to be things in your own life routine (no matter how chaotic that “routine” might seem) that really aren’t as important as you’ve made them.  Somehow, they’ve become a law for you.  When you don’t do them, you feel guilty, like you’re just not measuring up . . . to what???  I give you permission today to say out loud that you don’t have to (fill in the blank), and it is perfectly fine with Jesus.  If you get slack, He is well able to point it out – without the guilt and condemnation.  After all:

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. NIV

Freedom for you, my sisters on the mission field!  Let me hear what “shower walls” have been in your own life.

Practical

Still moving forward in this clarified direction from the Lord, I find it so easy to be distracted – pulled back into the old ways of daily living.  But I am determined to live a more disciplined lifestyle!

The latest opportunity came when I answered a call from Meals-on-Wheels, asking me to switch my normal Thursday delivery to later this particular morning.  After a quick mental back-n-forth, I said no.  My main reason was due to this being the first week I would really be able to get into my new routine without interference.  If I changed my whole schedule around on the very first day, when would I ever get started?

I needed some help here.  No matter how much writing, planning, or praying I need to do, I do know that people – real, flesh-and-blood people – are the whole purpose.  I don’t want to get caught up doing my thing and miss those people moments the Lord wants for me (see It’s About the People).  At the same time, I also know the devil would like to distract me by offering non-stop people moments.  I asked the Lord how to know which were from Him and which were distractions.

His answer was so simple and practical.  He reminded me of what He spoke to my heart at the writers’ conference.  “Use the answering machine.”

We don’t have caller ID on our home phone, so I don’t know who is calling unless I answer or let the answering machine pick it up.  When the machine answers the calls, I can decide if I’m to take the call right now, have a God-directed change in plans for the day, or return the call at a more convenient time for me.  With this simple machine, I have time to pray and discern His direction more clearly, without the pressure of the moment possibly steering me off course.

What simple thing would remove a continual stress-inducer from your daily life, my busy sister?  Could it be as practical as letting voice mail or an answering machine take your calls so you can handle them in God’s chosen time for you?  I’d love to hear what He shows you.