Lessons for Living

“and we know that in all things God works for good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Dear Jesse,

I’m checking in with you today not because I’m needing something from you but because you need something from me.

I know the past few weeks, and perhaps even months, have been difficult for you. I’ve been watching you and your life patterns lately and both of us know there’s a bit of work to do. Not a major reconstruction but definitely some finishing touches we need to put on the Masterpiece.

You’ve been up to a lot lately even though you are technically “retired” from paid employment. I see that you are under pressure to get things done, sometimes whether you really need to concern yourself with them or not. It’s time that I counselled you to take a step back and gain perspective.

On the calendar we are drawing near to the end of August and this is supposed to be “summer break.” I don’t think you have had any breaks this summer, except to pause from doing some of the many regular activities you were doing leading up to July. So often the time has been spent taking care of special things that have come up. Since you probably haven’t been wise with taking a regular “Sabbath” rest life catches up with you all too quickly.  

Now about the way you have been talking to yourself lately. I’m aghast at some of the thoughts going through your head lately. You continue to be hard on yourself. For what reason? Do you think you are all-wise and the best judge of your own accomplishments? Do you think that you can be that hard on yourself and be a better person? I really question your attitude toward yourself much of the time.

You are most responsible for your own thoughts, actions and attitudes under God’s wise guidance and protection. He loves you deeply, you too often question this. He above all others has your best interests in mind even when you think everything isn’t “turning out the way you wanted it to.”

I don’t have to remind you of this but I will. You are well aware of Romans 8:28, “and we know that in all things God works for good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” You second guess your Lord and Maker all too often, thinking that He has made mistakes with creating and shaping you but this simply isn’t the case. Our conversation alone is evidence of this.

You keep having opportunities to speak truthfully to others and you often pass them up. I know you sometimes struggle with being your honest, truthful self because you still value self-protection even when being known to others might be a much better and heathier option.

You’ve been in such confused thought lately that you haven’t been sleeping well and I know this is a lot to take in on a Monday morning. But, one last thing before I rest my case  – take advantage of the support system you have around you. Remember the days in years past when “go it alone” was your rule of thumb and also your downfall? You got into major trouble when you became isolated and had the attitude it was “one man against the world”  and all up to you.

You have a quality team around you. You need to be honest with them, trust them and don’t be afraid to reveal your struggles with them. Not only will they feel honoured but perhaps there are multiple mutual untapped blessings for you to share as you experience true life together.

Let’s catch up again soon!

Signed,

A wise, balanced and discerning version of you