I can't fix myself, and I know it.
All of us have to trust in God's plan and do as He wants and constantly move toward Him. It's a great thing knowing that He can heal us and take care of us perfectly, but it is also equally as painful.
I like to think of it a bit like a video game. You know those boss challenges that you just love battling through, but no matter how hard you try, you can't get past the big guy. And so your older sibling offers to help you pass it so that you can get onto the next level.
What do you do? Give the controller over to them t help you proceed, or do you selfishly, and hopelessly, try and try again without success?
Most of us are unwilling to admit defeat, just like we are unwilling to pass up our problems to God. It's more logical to give it to God, but part of all humans tells us that we've got to try to do things on our own first.
It's an amazing thing when I come across someone who is able to give themselves up to God. Usually, those are the people I respect and admire. But even then, those people tell me it's no walk in the park.
If there's anything I've learned in the past year, it would be how easy it is to fall into the lukewarm-Christian trap. God gets you out of a rut, and you say, "Okay, I'll leave it all to You, then," but as time draws on and nothing is really happening, you slowly say, "I can do this!" and you slip back into the controller seat. As a result, when trouble starts piling back onto your life, you start to bend and break under the weight, forgetting to give your life to God until it's almost too late. It is a tough and painful cycle, but we all get caught in it so easily!
Last Friday for Chapel at our school, we did a lesson on a man named Patch Adams, who wanted to be a doctor that actually cared for his patients. He had 10 Daily Actions that he would follow, and so my Co-chaplain and I challenged ourselves to follow it. For the whole week, we tried to obey his list as best as we could, and it actually makes a difference in the way your day goes!
(If you'd like to see his list, it is here: http://www.patchadams.org/Patchs_prescription_10_everyday_actions)
During the week, I tried to smile all the time in the hallways, sing out loud with my friends, and I even gave someone a shoulder rub once. For a while, I have been experiencing some back pains, that I think were actually muscle spasms. They hadn't ever been anything too bad, so I never worried about them, but on Friday, the last day of doing the list, it intensified so much that it hurt when I simply walked somewhere. But even though I was in pain, I kept smiling, because I had said I would. I was determined not to give into my own feelings so that by smiling I might give someone else a good day (smiles are contagious you know!).
It was surprisingly humbling to do that. Normally, I will give in to my emotion and just frown, simply passing by everyone in the hallways; but to put aside all of my own feelings that were natural, physical, bodily emotions and responses, and to give my all to God and others--just amazing!
I cannot promise anything, but to live by a set of guidelines like these could help improve your everyday life and keep God in your driver's seat. I suggest creating a personal list, and putting it somewhere you'll look at at least once or twice every day.
Here's my short list that I will have up in my locker:
Emily's 5 Reminders
1. Never stop smiling. Ever.
2. Make someone else's day. Ask them how they are doing, or simply say, "Hello!".
3. Give someone a hug who looks like they need it; don't say a word about it.
4. Always have a song to sing, and sing it everywhere.
5. Pick a random person and pray for them.
So create your own list. Start with something short and sweet, and then if you think of other things, add onto it. Make your list have to do with serving others, and it will help bring you to God.
Do you have a list? I'd love to hear what it is!
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." (Ephesians 3:10)
