~Decide~
~five minute friday~
Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have…
Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny. Ecclesiastes 6:9a&10
I did not decide this story. Rather, it chose me. I have landed in the middle of a plot twist, written and penned with a bigger hand than mine.
In the midst of this story, there are decisions to be made. Choices to make. Hard choices.
I must decide how I am to live out these pages, These new chapters of life.
Do I fold up and give in? Slam shut the book on hope and joy? Do I rant and rave and rail against The Author? I must be transparent here. Yes, occasionally, I am prone to. I find myself a miserable wretch when I choose this way.
I set my feet on the floor in the early morn, in those first moments of chugging gatorade and swallowing sodium tablets I decide. The story has been written. Yet, I decide the words, the way.
It is intentional. The surrendering, yielding, leaning into. The choice.
I decide I want to live this story well. Live it in a way that honors The Author.
“I believe He can do anything. I think He can physically heal me; I think He can stop a tornado and halt a flood. But I think what is most powerful is when He lets natural things happen and lets people use their free will, and at the same time fixes my heart and spirit to handle them.” Sara Frankel from Choose Joy
I decide to live within the page of this day. I decide to surrender and yield and desperately cry out that He meets me in the pain. I decide to ask not that the story be re~written, but that I live it well. I beg for courage and strength to honor Him. A drenching of grace and a humble heart. A heart that overflows with gratitude.
I decide not to clothe myself with bitterness and anger, choosing instead to be clothed with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
It takes a supernatural strength that is not my own, to make this choice. I ask. Over. And. Over. And. Over. AGAIN. With each word He pens.
Gifts of Grace
Tammy Mashburn
Beautiful, Tammy! Your writing always inspires.
Thank you! Counting down the days!
Beautiful, uplifting post, Tammy. Thank you. As you noted, “It takes supernatural strength” to keep making the decisions, the choices which honor Him. I am so thankful that we can keep asking for His help over, and over, and over again, and receive His help, over and over and over again. Visiting from FMF. Blessings.
Thank you for stopping by, Friend.
XO
Tammy
This is so beautiful, and a poignant reminder that while we can’t always choose our circumstances, we can choose our reactions and attitudes! Thanks for sharing these wise words. I’m visiting from FMF. 🙂
Thank you Rosanne! I’m off to FMF to catch up, can’t wait to hear your words.
XO
Tammy
Tammy, beautiful. And I love that you choose to Leah into the author even when that is so very difficult to do. I’m in the #7 spot this week.
Can’t wait to find you Tara! Thanks for stopping by!
XO
Tammy
Beautiful! I see we both touched on the importance of being intentional in our deciding! Praying for you!
Praying for you, Friend!
XO
Tammy
This is life that he gave us to live. We have to accept what he lets us do. Keep on keeping
on. He takes care of us and makes our decisions. Never give up. He holds our hands daily.
One day at a time. Take care and great job.
Love,
Mom
This is intro. You know what I’m talking about. I’ve shared it everywhere. Consider this in fmf book over the other?
I trust your judgement!! Change it Friend! We have got to get together soon!
Thank you for all of your encouragement…keep pushing me, Lovely Lady! You know what I mean!
XO
Tammy
This is so encouraging. I need to be more intentional in deciding to live this life, no matter the struggles I am facing. So thankful I came to read today.
Praying you will be encouraged in your struggles! They are real BUT He is bigger!
Thank you for stopping by!
XO
Tammy