Chipped

Last weekend I had woken up early and was able to spend time in God's arms. Being loved through His Word and guided by His teaching. These quiet times renew my soul and spirit. As I jumped up off the couch and bounced into the kitchen it occurred to me that I was behind in my schedule for the day. I had spent too much time with God and now my schedule wouldn't be completed.

I reached and then yanked on the pull for the kitchen window blind and this motion jerked the blind forward. This knocked one of my favorite vases into the kitchen sink and it chipped on the top edge. This is one of those moments you wish you could take back. From elation to sorrow in one motion I stood there and looked at the chipped vase. Immediately God nudged me to reflect on how this relates to how I love my children, my parents, siblings, friends, and coworkers. Those God places me in front of during the day and week.

In my haste, my words and actions can leave a chip in the lives of others. Moving forward too quickly with my life and not slowing down to remember those around me are placed before me for God's schedule.
In contrast, my words and actions can also leave others knowing they are loved by a God who first loved them. I can stop to remember what is on their heart and what prayers are important in their life. And I can also remember that God's schedule is the most important of all. He slows me down for a reason. His reason, His plan.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

Living through Him, for me, is evaluating in myself, my motives and then my words and actions.

Are they edifying? Or do they leave the person chipped?

Are they thanking God for the love He has given me to then love others?

As I face another day, I seek Christ's love in His word so that I may apply it in my life to thank Him.

Blessings,
DIG (Discovering Intimacy with God)