Both kids were determined to drive each other over the edge, and seemed delighted in the prospect of taking me with them. They were constantly picking at each other, starting fights, breaking things, causing problems, and badgering me about everything under the sun. If I would have fed my four year old every time she asked for a snack, she would have exploded by 2:30, and her nine year old brother would have howled at the mess. Ugh.
The chores around the house were piling up, too; laundry, vacuuming, dusting, dishes, garbage, and more. To make matters worse, that was just the daily stuff - I had plenty of long-term 'projects' lurking all over the place, waiting to jump me whenever I innocently meandered into the bedroom, kitchen, garage, or, heaven help me, the back yard.
It was one of those days, and I really needed a lift. I got it...by sinking lower.
*DISCLOSURE WARNING* I wouldn't be telling you the truth if I said that the Bible was the first place I always run to for a pick-me-up. I'd also be fibbing if I said that prayer was always my first option in any given situation (it's more like 'act rashly, ask forgiveness later'). However, over the years, I've gotten a little better at turning His way first.
On this particular day, it took me several hours to be still and hear His voice, but I did hear it. "Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:10, NIV). Then I read The Message's version, and it really hit home: "Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet."
If you need a lift, if you need to get to your feet again (or for the first time), if your heart needs a new start, you've got to humble yourself. Now, how you do that is for another entry (lots of them, actually), so stay tuned.
Oh...in case you were wondering, 6pm didn't turn out to be an eternity away after all.
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