Ten years ago …
- I had a four-month old.
- I had never taught a Bible study class.
- I only had a dream of writing a book … but no clue what it would be about.
- I *knew* a whole lot of stuff.
- I was quick to give an opinion.
- I was long to hold a grudge.
- I felt the need to defend myself.
- I was big on truth and small on grace.
Today …
- I have a ten-year-old.
- I’ve taught more Bible studies than I can count and written over 15 to teach in my church.
- I have a manuscript, proposal and am attending a writing conference where I’ll be able to meet with publishers.
- I know very little … except that I need to depend on the Lord for all knowledge.
- I place no value in my own opinion because the Lord’s truth is all that has lasting value.
- I still struggle with forgiveness but I have seen God make great changes in my heart.
- I trust the Lord to be my defense and have had to rely on Him to give me wisdom and grace NOT to explain myself in many situations.
- I still cling to truth … but understand how much love and grace it takes to live in truth.
I was really sure I had it all figured out ten years ago … I knew THE answers about educating children, managing the home, encouraging husbands, and ministering in church.
Now, the only thing I’m certain of is this … Christ’s love working in me is the only way I can become who He intends. I don’t know – and don’t have an opinion that I’m willing to share – about most things.
A truth-seeker.
A love-giver.
it’s then I recognize the desperate grace-needer I am as well.
Somewhere along the way I’ve lost the urgent need to be right … the determination to have friendships on my terms … the desperate longing to be known by others. Instead, I long for righteousness – starting in my heart and mind … and I long to be known by Him.
Ten years ago I was a word-spewer.
Today I am a Word-devourer.
Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together. ~ Colossians 3:12-14, NLT
What lessons have you learned in the past ten years?
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