Get It Right?

I heard a song in the car today while I was driving that really got me thinking.  Although the song is not the most famous song on the radio, or even a number one hit, it is definitely a favourite of mine. 

A few years ago, I was going through some very difficult times. No matter what I did, nothing just seemed to go my way. It seemed like the more I tried to make it better, things just kept getting worse. Life just continued to get more difficult, and despite my best efforts, I found myself sinking deeper and deeper into a state of depression. Now, if you know me, you would know that I'm a fairly positive guy. I always try to see the light at the end of the tunnel. However, in this case, the light was fading and fading quickly. 

How many times have you found yourself struggling to get ahead only to find yourself farther back then where you started? Maybe your career is not where you want it to be. Maybe your relationship is a constant struggle and no matter how hard you try, you don't feel good enough in it. Maybe you desire a relationship but just can't seem to find the right person to connect with. Maybe you're struggling with habitual problems that are holding you back. My hope out of today's blog, is that you leave with a sense of hope. That despite how tough life gets, you continue to get back up after you've been knocked down, wipe the dust off and continue to fight no matter how difficult the situation is. But how do you keep going?

I don't know how many times I tried to get it right, but I do know that eventually my situation turned around. However, the turning around wasn't done by myself. My faith in God has always been my support in the darkest of times and although there were moments when God seemed far away, I now know He was closer then I could possibly imagine. He gave me hope. He gave me the motivation to keep going and when I was at my lowest, He was always there to help me through. He was and is my Light at the end of the tunnel.  

The funny part in all of this is there are still times when I find myself trying to get it right and yet, I fail miserably. Does that mean that God isn't with me? Nope ... Not at all. It just means that He wants me to keep trusting Him and keep pressing forward. 

About that song. It isn't a 'Christian' song, but it does remind me of where I've been and where I am now. I'm just thankful that I have a Heavenly Father that abounds in grace and helps me 'get it right' despite my failures. Here's the song with lyrics. I pray that you look to God to get it right. http://youtu.be/qfjp9tqgrHk

A Dog's Life

 I was doing my morning devotions outside this morning as the weather was gorgeous and I looked up and saw my wife's dog sprawled out on the grass sleeping in the sunshine.  I thought to myself, "MAN!!!! I wish I could do that!"  Of course, my mind was persuaded that if I did, the owner of that dog wouldn't be very pleased with me, and honestly, I probably wouldn't be pleased with me either.  It's laziness at it's best.  I have to admit though, it would be nice to just lay there and not have a worry in the world.

However, there are times in our lives that we get so busy that we forget to stop and just "be".  We have so many things to do that we forget to cherish the moments that we are in.  We get caught up with having to go there, or having to be here and forget that sometimes you just need to stop.  That doesn't mean that you don't get things done, but there has to be a time of rest.

Then I got thinking some more about our furry little friend soaking up the sunshine ... how many times do we stop and take time to be with God?  In the hustle and bustle of life, how many times do we stop?  Even in our personal devotions, often we find ourselves drifting off to the to-do lists of the day or week and not really focusing on our time with God.  Maybe it is just me.  I have been sometimes labeled as A.D.D. but I'm sure there are more people out there like me.  

When I first started dating, my wife showed me a quote that she had posted on her fridge and it has stuck with ever since.  It goes like this

Be still and know that I am God

Be still and know that I am

Be still and know

Be still

Be

Psalm 46:10

Today I am choosing to live a dog's life.  I am choosing to stop all that I am doing and just calm myself in the Sonshine of my Heavenly Father.  It isn't easy (especially for this A.D.D. kid), but I am going to make time to spend some uninterrupted time with God.  I still have my to-do list, but I am going to make God a priority on that list.