Have  you ever rolled over in bed and kind-of dreaded your day?

Wished for a different agenda?

Longed for a way to run from the things facing you?

I don’t know about you, but I feel guilty when I feel this way.

I read a news story about refugees in search of a safe place to sleep or see an article about children being found in crates, living in conditions not acceptable for even animals;

and I realize there’s nothing about today that should make me feel anything but thankful.

And yet there’s a gnawing deep inside me,

a feeling of unrest.

I can’t quite put my finger on it,

but if I’m really quiet and if I’m really honest,

I know what’s wrong.

I understand my struggle.

I get my discontent.

I realize very quickly, and very ashamedly, that as I opened my eyes,

I saw me…………..

that’s right.

I saw “my” day, “my” time, “my” life.

I didn’t see the student or co-worker hoping for an encouraging word to get through a hard day.

I didn’t see the person on the sidewalk longing for a smile from a stranger in order to believe life is worth living.

I didn’t see the patient needing a hug and a little hope.

I didn’t see the classmate sitting alone wondering if anyone cares.

I didn’t see the friend facing a tough week who needs a prayer lifted for them.

No, I just saw me.

I’m so thankful for a patient God on mornings like this.

I’m so thankful for His ability to find me in my “me-ness” and pull me up into His likeness.

I’m so glad He continues to hold me to the fire,

burning away all the ugly.

All the “me”……………………

Because once I’m out of the way,

He is free to live and move and work and love through me.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus……….”

Phil. 2:3-5

Lord, give me your eyes today.  

Help me see the world as you see it.

Please take my eyes off of me.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

“I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.” —Leo Rosten