Let's Shake Rattle and Roll

When a wave covers you, pushing you off kilter, what’s your next move?

Mostly, we are happy and positive people, but you must admit it feels as if the devil is trying to grab your ankles. What a pesky slithering sloth! As we think about this 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. It’s surprising how quickly we surrender in battle, despite it being just the beginning of many rounds.

I am a stubborn believer. When I get knocked down, I may have a reactionary response, as the nagging is constant. I am 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 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. It is very 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. We can examine ourselves in the mirror and recognize the work we need to do. Life brings humor through our judgments of others; 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 deserves a daily medal of valor amidst the stresses of daily events?

We don’t only admire those we love. We should constantly regroup and remind one another of our love, care, and shared goal to make things 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. Our trust in love binds us together, knowing we will be there for one another.

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 daily? How often do we go to God 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. Every time you do this, say, “Thank You, GOD.” I want to laugh; I want those I love and care about to greet. I wish even those who bother me would smile, as I sometimes bother others. We use the term children correctly as we all act up, occasionally, continually having things to learn.

Shake, rattle off the feet, and praise in the right direction, people. 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. Admitting we are goofballs who mess up makes us lucky. 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?