Last Updated on March 20, 2018
When did my life become so serious?
I’m not a serious person, seriously. I always seem to be sharing challenging, frustrating, and overwhelming things. Life is kinda like that right now. I sound a little like Eeyore when I’m really much more like Tigger. Although lately I’ve been a bit like Piglet with my “Oh dear, oh dear” attitude and a little like Rabbit with my “Get off my lawn” grumpiness.
I think maybe I should try to be more like Pooh Bear—loveable ol’ pudgy Pooh, minus the pudge. Happy-go-lucky Pooh in search of a pot or two of honey.
What’s my pot of honey? Today, sleep. Yesterday … ummmm … sleep. Tomorrow… well, probably sleep. I’m kidding (well, a little bit).
In all seriousness, my pot of honey is Jesus. I want more of Him. I want to know Him better, love Him more, and be a better Jesus freak to my family. I’m afraid I’m just freaky most of the time.
I’ve been studying Philippians lately and I want Paul’s words to be my own: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him…” (Philippians 3:7-9).
I’ve been heard saying, “Give me Jesus!” And I think I’ve meant it, but I believe now I really get why I want Jesus, why I need Him.
Living over your head tends to do that to you. I’m overwhelmed by everything, and occasionally there are things in my life, my Heffalumps, which make me want hide in the closet.
Better than ever, I know that I’m weak and I think that I finally understand that in my weakness He is strong. That one always tripped me up before. I really didn’t get it. Today, I’m getting it. My own ability to do this life is severely hindered by my weaknesses, but I’m finding God’s strength is empowering. I really can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Things are still difficult, messy and a little (okay, a lot) harried, but with the right perspective I think I might make it through the day with some success.
But honestly if my goal is Jesus, I will always be a success. I get to drink deep of His Word as often as possible, experience sweet communion with Him whenever and wherever I am, and tap into His strength for every task before me.
My life is serious but it is also seriously blessed. And if I can truly focus on that maybe my Eeyore self will stop sighing, my Rabbit self will stop fussing, and my Piglet self will stop fearing.
My Pooh self and her pot of honey will be hanging out and living life with some good ol’ peace and some serious joy.
My serious isn’t so bad… as long it’s a serious understanding of how much Jesus loves me.
Sue Birdseye is an author and communicator who shares the adventures she has on her unexpected journey of single parenting. She went from the typical “picket fence” kind of life to being a single mom to five beautiful children. She has learned what it means to be totally dependent upon the Lord and how beautiful that dependence is. Her change of life circumstances has led to a passionate desire to encourage and bless other moms no matter their life circumstances. She has been active in her community as a foster/adoptive mom and public school teacher. She has also been part of her church’s worship, discipleship, women’s, and children’s ministries. She is an avid book reader, a game night hoster, and an early morning writer. Her book “When Happily Ever After Shatters” is the story of how God stepped into her life and the lives of her children just when everything seemed to be falling apart. She hopes that her writing will encourage, bless, and maybe even make someone smile.
You seem to be able to find just what I need to hear, just when I need it. Thank you for your willingness to be open and honest and vulnerable about what you are struggling with. Your posts have really been helping me focus on the one who can really help me. Thank you again!