Let's Shake Rattle and Roll

Have you ever wondered when a large wave already covers you, trying to push off the bottom of the ocean floor to get to the top for breath, another rolls over top, pushing you just a little further down, to say what you are going to do now?

Mostly, we are happy and positive people, but you must admit it feels like the devil is trying to grab your ankles. What a pesky slithering sloth! As we think about his nagging grab and tug, remember that he was once God's most precious angel. He fell from grace. This reminder is so poignant in times of struggle. How quickly many of us throw in the towel when it may only be the first of many rounds in a battle, but the outcomes of conflict can surprise you.

I am a stubborn believer. I get knocked down and even have reactionary responses, as the nagging is constant. I am also so abundantly grateful for God's GRACE. Thankful for knowing His word for a constant uplifting in the battle of this snake at my heels. I, too, feel chased by life's circumstances, and I'm always trying to understand the upheaval that is sometimes the natural occurrence after my prayer for peace.

As a Christian, I have understood God's timing. The pure perfection of it is challenging. I try very hard to remember. His schedule is not my own or that of anyone else. He is just that perfect, and I trust Him fully. We surrender through child tantrums of thinking our way is better. Quite humbling to learn we're not in control.

Our Father ultimately knows best as we share our imperfections enough for people to know we're all students of Christ-like behavior. As professional screw-ups, I'm sure we can inspect in the mirror and see what we have work to do. Life causes us some humor by the judgments we place on others, and the truth is we all do it. Sometimes to our friends, partners, children, teachers, and families.

I know you can relate to what I am talking about, especially if you follow a Christian walk. You are hopeful for the future of heaven. The promise of happiness is why I feel the nagging; it never feels quite right to respond with any reaction other than Love, Grace, and forgiveness. Sadly, we slip daily. In negative thought or action, righteous indignation (not when God uses our situation, but preferably to place ourselves above others), anger, resentment, jealousy, or any of the sins I could list and state here. Why is it we don't praise our God, that is always forgiving of our daily stupidity?

We take for granted those we love the most. Our families and loved ones, the light tone we use, would never even think of using with others. Our friends are long term and accept us for our faults and imperfections. Who should receive a medal of valor each day as we battle because of daily events' stresses?

We don't show pure admiration for those we love; neglecting one another in the most straightforward ways can become a habit if not careful. Always regroup and remind each other how much we love, care, and want to make it all better. Own your part in any discrepancy of neglect, correct it and move back to that unconditional love because family and friends stick together even under the grave, crazy, and frustrating situations. We act out with one another because we trust that love so deeply and know that ultimately, we will be there for each other or hope for this.

So why are we not aware of how much we neglect those we love? Don't we want to enjoy as GOD does? How much time do we spend with Him each day? How often do we go to our Father and say, "wow, I am sorry?" Do we cuddle up with God's word for some alone time to give Him that thank you or proverbial HUG?

I'm ashamed of my neglect; they should sometimes report me to my GPS! Yep, you got it, God's Protective Services. How appropriate GPS He is our map for life, our Guide, our Director.

If we trust all these other imperfection influences, why do we struggle with our trust in God? I suppose it is that thing pulling at our ankles. So, as a daily ritual, maybe we could shake and rattle our feet a bit to loosen their hold. Each time you do this, say, "Thank You, GOD." I bet if we do this, maybe we will smile more often. I want to laugh; I want those I love and care about to greet. I even wish those who get under my skin would smile because I sometimes get under people's skin. We use the term children correctly as we all act up, occasionally, continually having things to learn.

So people, let's do a little shake and rattle off the feet and a little praising in the right direction. Let's stop pointing fingers at each other and reach out more from our comfort zones. Remember, we are all made in His image, not just our selfish reflections in the mirror. I have messed up, and I will again ~ How about you? Guess what? I love you anyway, and so does GOD. Every time GOD forgives ME seven times seventy times. I am so lucky, and so are you, if we admit we are all goofballs who mess up. We know maybe we can welcome other goofballs and all start goofing up together, forgiving, shaking, rattle, and rolling along, and, at long last, truly honor God together.

I got a clean slate today, and God settled my waves or, at least, allowed me to feel safe rather than pulled ~ How about you?