How shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:3-4 (NIV)
I bought a new picture from a co worker who sells home décor. For over a year, I had been admiring a painting of two horses in her catalogue, but the price was out of my range. Then, a few weeks ago, it went on sale for 75% off, and I snapped it up. When it arrived, I was pleased with the choice as it is a beautiful arrangement with exactly the color combination I have been moving my living room towards. But, it was a lot bigger than I thought it would be. My original intention was to put it over the mantel of our fireplace. I wasn’t unsatisfied with what was already there: an old clock of my husband’s, some photographs youngest son took when he was in elementary school, my collection of Willow Tree angels and some candles, but, those things have been displayed there for several years, and I was ready for a change. My plan called for moving the clock to the side of the mantel and putting the picture in place of youngest son’s art. I did not count on several things. First being, youngest son’s hurt feelings at having his photographs removed. I have been making some other changes around our house which require the dismantling of his older brother’s room. He believes that work is the equivalent of “kicking” older son out of the house. When I took down his photographs, youngest son felt I was doing the same thing to him. I also did not plan on husband’s reaction to having his clock moved from the center of the mantel to the side. He feels the clock is the most important thing in the room and it should have the prominent position on the mantel. Finally, the painting was much too large for the mantel. It comes close to the ceiling and looks crowded in that spot. So, I hung the painting over the couch and put everything back in its original place. Problem solved. But, it did make me think about a friend’s tale about changing his role in church ministry a while back. He said that he knew he was on the right bus, working to further God’s kingdom, but felt he was not in the right seat; he needed to move to a different area of ministry. Sometimes, I want to do a certain work for God. I have it all figured out where my talents can be most effective and what I will enjoy doing. Yet, my plans are not the same as God’s. He has a different path for me to take that will be a better use of the gifts He has given me. I can fight and whine and try to go my way, but the bottom line is I am in the wrong place and things just won’t fit. Unless I give up and go where He wants me, like my friend, I am on the right bus, but in the wrong seat.
That is amazing, isn't it, how our children feel like we're "kicking them out."
I remember several years ago, Don and I talked about selling our house, and all it was was talk, but when our daughter heard us, she could not believe that we would do such a thing…even though she was no longer living with us.
You mentioned in a comment that I must listen to WJIS. I never went with the tide on that one. I've always listened to Keswick/Moody. I'm afraid now that I'm pretty much a talk show junkie, until it gets so wild I have to take a break.