NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
I am sitting here this morning with all kinds of thoughts swirling through my mind. The horrible actions of the past few days have me feeling a little more depressed about the state of our nation than normal. I am definitely a glass is half-full kind of girl, but I am having a hard time seeing the bright side today. I just see people, of all colors and races, hurting. I see pain and anguish in their faces, and I don’t see any answers.
My Sunday posts are supposed to be inspirational, so you can see my struggle. How do you shed happiness and sunshine when there seems to be so much sadness and darkness? I was just staring at the computer screen, not knowing even where or how to proceed. I looked over to the right where it shows how well my post is written. It will say either, OK, Good, or in this case, Needs Improvement. Keep in mind that I hadn’t even typed the first word, so I guess it did need improvement. But, I thought that my post was not the only thing that needed improvement.
The list is long for the things that needs improvement in my life. I need to be a better housekeeper, a better employee, a better planner, a better wife, the list in my personal life could go on and on. In my spiritual life, the list is probably even longer. I need to pray more, I need to study more, I need to have more faith, I need to worry less, I need to be more forgiving, and I need to remember to give God the glory. Once again, I could go on and on and on.
Here’s the thing, I am the only one who can change any of those items. I can’t hire it out, I can’t wish it done, and even though I can pray, ultimately it is only “me” that I can change. If you are on FaceBook, you will see thousands of shared meme’s. These are the little sayings that people put as their status. Some are inspirational, some are funny, some are political, etc. There is one for any emotion that you are feeling. You can just look at what a person is “sharing” and know what is going on in their life. I was looking this week at the hundreds of little shared posts, and I couldn’t help thinking that this was the wrong answer. You read a little passage about doing something to help others, and then you share the post. Why not instead go actually “help” others? You read a passage about being lonely and sad, and then you share the post. Why not join a club, call a friend, volunteer to help out at a food bank? You would be surprised how much better you would feel with actual human contact, instead of just looking at the computer. I am not trying to make light of anyone’s struggles. EVERYBODY has struggles! I am just saying that we have to at least try to fix ourselves.
Today is a brand new day, and with it brings all kinds of new opportunities. I am going to start fresh. I am not going to beat myself up over what is in the past. I CANNOT change anything that is in the rearview mirror. I am going to focus on what is in front of me, and move forward.
Please continue to pray for this nation. Maybe, just maybe, when the storm passes by, there will be a silver lining.
[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAmh3yvmzXs[/embedyt]
Thank you for sharing this. i believe our spirits are grieving for what all is transpiring but HE is in control! Beautiful song – perfect timing. God bless!
I came across your blog the other day, and I have loved going through it. Your photos are fantastic and I love seeing your different outfits, but this post really inspired me this morning. I have been feeling the same over the events of the past week, but today I was down over some personal things in my life, and reading your words felt so encouraging to me…it was just what I needed. I’m going to take a deep breath, get up, and move forward. Thank you so much, and God bless you!
So very well said!! Something we could all benefit from hearing. We can make that change through the power of the Holy Spirit within us!!So glad we don’t have to do it within our own strength, we couldn’t make it! Thanks for such a beautiful post. I am saving this one for future reference!
totally agree sharing a picture doesn’t do a thing
Oh my gosh. This is one of those “things” that is so for me right now. Thank you God for guiding you to post this. I am burying my father on Tuesday in Florida but had to leave my husband behind in Nebraska so he can start a new chemo regimen tomorrow for the rare cancer he is fighting. I’m working hard to remember that God has a purpose for me and I have to shine my light now and carry this with God’s guidance.
Gretchen, I hope my post gave you some comfort. Your post just broke my heart. I know we all have struggles, but mine pale in comparison to what you are going through. I am saying a prayer for you this very minute.
Tania, I have been weepy around the edges ever since Thursday night. My son is a police officer in a Dallas suburb. His wife is expecting their first child (my first grandchild) in less than two months. I read comments like “why didn’t they tase the shooter instead of killing him?” and it’s hard not to despair.
I agree completely with these sentiments Tania, but on a personal level as they say, you can have everything, but not all at the same time. Perhaps you don’t need improvement in every area, but you’re just too busy. Rather than improve yourself, Can you outsource something eg get a house cleaner to help, delegate more at work etc. These small changes can also improve your life
Thank you for a beautiful post.
I was feeling sorta hopeless too with what is going on in the world.. But today I feel renewal!! At church today the teens took over the service and shared what all they have learned today at the convention that they spent the week at.. It was so comforting to see Christ in them and how they are physically going to go out in our community and show them what Christ looks like through their works of service and such.. I was noticing that they are learning in a new way and it is effective for them and will be for the world.. I know at times I have a tendency to judge things thinking well that’s not how I learned to do it.. No it is not because the world didn’t stand still in time. They have technology so advance we don’t even understand it.. But they do and they are using it to further Gods reach. So watching them speck from their hearts gave me such peace.. God IS in control.. oh..one of the things they really learned and took to heart is sometimes you have to just stop and be silent to be able to hear what God is telling you.. I tell you that they always put me to shame when I really listen to them.. so please stop judging them and lift them up.. they are the hope of the world..
Thanks so much for your inspiring words
Hugs, Kath
In any study/bible group I’ve been in the message was the same, it all starts with me”. If I don’t ” be the change” nothing will happen. This was a great post! It made all of us think. If you just change one thing for the better what a great world this would be!
I appreciate your words…we do indeed have a struggle and I’m especially concerned about the kind of country my three grandchildren ages 12, 10 and 8 are growing into. Thanks for the lovely music. I’m in a summer book study at my church. We’re reading and discussing a book called “Who Is This Man?” by John Ortberg, a very thought-provoking book on Jesus and how he changed the world forever. We now all need to work together to change our country.
Perfect post – thank you
Regarding the FB memes which are meant to suggest the poster feels more painfully and deeper than others, that they are wiser than others, that we should treat others as we wish to be treated or appreciate members of our police force, or (fill in the blank) has never entered our minds, my son said it best….”Moral preening run amok”. I don’t need to be preached at or lectured to and those who do need it won’t be changed by FB memes.
as the mother of a retired cop, my heart goes to all these affected families in Dallas. No one can really imagine what we all feel when our loved ones go to work ea morning…. Our brave young men for whom duty is foremost in their minds . Where would society be without them? and now I hear rumblings that cops should not carry guns? Dear Lord where will this insanity go. Yes they are few rogues out there, but before you judge without knowing all the facts have you been confronted with crazy people, and do you think these cops dont feel fear…. All these things should be told as most people never have to face any of that, and surely dont want to hear how little cops are paid… At times I have asked myself “for what?”
When will I ever hear the press come to their defense? what about all these politicians , Hollywood people who all have body guards for once maybe keep their mouth shut …
Amen to your post today. Obviously this is what many of us needed to hear today. Thank you for bringing it to us.
You hit the nail on the head, Tania. Action is key. Sometimes, I feel so helpless to make any changes, even in myself. There’s so much news about violence and hatred and the poor economy, etc, etc, etc. But doing nothing only perpetuates our individual and collective issues.
Changing ourselves is powerful. A small pebble tossed into a lake produces ripples that grow wider. If I spend less time thinking about what I can’t do and more focus on doing what I can–make dinner for new parents or for someone who lives alone and doesn’t have family nearby; babysit for a single parent who may need a break; taking a neighbor to a medical appointment or to shop for groceries–these things let others KNOW someone cares. It puts my problems into perspective. And I feel better.
Thank you. Excellent.
Amen! You’re speaking by the spirit! Pray spontaneously never ceasing, He is listening. Thank you for inspiring all of us who are reading. God Bless Tania.
Wise words, Tania. We are only able to control ourselves. We can’t control our spouses or our children. We can’t control our Nation’s leaders. We can’t control those who hate and commit violent acts. The only one I have control over is me! I think that is a big enough challenge. Thank you for being honest as you struggle right along with all of us. – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Love this! Thanks!
This basically says exactly the way I’ve been feeling myself!! I feel like a black cloud has been hanging over my head. Only I can change how I feel and what I do when I cannot change my circumstances!
I agree, best post ever!!!!! As the mother of a police officer, I have many feelings going on inside my head and my heart this week. I can’t even watch the news .
We got some coffee gift cards and plan to hand them out when we see a law enforcement officer or a vet. My husband came home and proudly told me he had given one if his away ☺
GOD NEEDS TO BE FIRST AND FORE MOST IN OUR LIVES OR THIS HATRED IS NEVER GOING TO STOP. Love you, Tania, for sharing your wise words today. In my opinion….. You are right on !!!!!
Hi Tania!
That’s your best post I’ve read! Enjoy your Sunday ?
What an awesome post! Thanks for sharing!
Like you, I have many items on my ‘improvement’ list but I’m the one who has to act on them. So easy for me to procrastinate and then blame myself later for not seeing results. Your post has inspired me to select one item on my list and actually do it today!
As far as praying for our nation and hurting people, we need so much of that. Some days I feel so helpless at what is going on but hope by coming to the aid of one person, in one small way no matter what it is, that will make a difference and they can see God’s love.
Have a great day!
Amen!!!! You nailed it……This nation needs to put God back in it, and stop spending some much of there life posting on Social Media.
I enjoyed your blog today. It makes me think a lot about myself.
My life at 65 is so screwed up, I think, other people probably wouldn’t say that but I don’t tell everyone everything. So they are only looking in from outside.
I don’t understand why people can’t just live each day and be a nice to each other. Maybe I expect too much.
Definite words for thought and action. Thanks for your inspiration.
Robin
I just read 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.” This is something we all must do! Great post! We need to Remember who is running this show! We all need to give God the glory! Have a great day! Love you!
I love this, Sandy!
Good blog. I have been feeling the same this week. I suppose millions of Americans are. Thank you for reminding us to talk about it and be a part of it.
Thanks for being so honest. You have inspired me to take action in my life. God is in control!
I have been singing Thy Will Be Done by Hillary Scott & the Scott Family all week. I was introduced to that song by a reader, and I am so glad. It has calmed me, and reminded me over and over, the it is HIS will, not mine.
New day, new opportunities. Go for it 🙂
Bettye