Quote Me + This is Your Life

I decided to combine two writing prompts today:

 

January 4 - Do you have a favorite quote that you return to again and again? What is it, and why does it move you?

 

January 11 - If you could read a book containing all that has happened and will ever happen in your life, would you? If you choose to read it, you must read it cover to cover.

 

First, I'm choosing a quote that is not a Bible verse. I have so many verses that I go back to, I don't know if I could choose a top five. Second, I've got two favorite quotes:

Comparison is the thief of joy

~ Theodore  Roosevelt

I can see to the corner, but God sees around the corner... don't worry.
~ Mom's Bible

Let's talk about comparison and how it steals joy.  There are many ways we compare.  We compare ourselves to others.  They have more money, they're smarter, they run faster, they sing better, they... fill in the blank.  So much time and energy is wasted when we compare.  When we compare to others, we overlook what we do have.  Especially as Americans, even in this crazy time with all the upheaval, we are so greatly blessed.  Food, water, shelter.  Things we take for granted would bring great joy to so many around the world.

We can also lose our joy when we compare ourselves to ourselves.  Now, I admit that seeing a recent picture of me that told the true story of weight gain, comparing to my thinner self is actually a motivating tool.  I also know that I have to put in the work (like I did in my 40s) if I want to make a change.  It may be slower and even harder, so I must not compare today's journey to any of the past.  It's today that matters.  That is true about every aspect of life.  It's today's journey that matters - learn from the past, both good and bad, but don't let it steal your joy.

Now on to that second prompt...

If you could read a book containing all that has happened and will ever happen in your life, would you? If you choose to read it, you must read it cover to cover. 

As soon as I read this one, I knew my answer - No, thank you!  Knowing what I know now, if I could have seen all that the past 30 years would hold, my 27 year old self would have freaked out!  30 years ago, I was blissfully engaged and ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.  I don't have a single regret about that decision, but 30 years is a lot of living.  30 years of joy and sorrow, losses and heartache, adventures and good times.  30 years that have included promotions and job losses, blessings and belt tightening.

If I had known that I would lose Rod when I was 30 and Mom was I was 34, my heart would not have been able to take it.  At the same time, if I could have known how God was going to bless me, I probably would have been less careful and possibly filled with pride.

I just want to see to the corner.  That's all I need to know.  If I could see around every corner, I would have no reason to trust God.  But He's been around every corner in my life and with each turn I have found Him to be more than enough.

I can see to the corner, but God sees around the corner... don't worry.
~ Mom's Bible

What Glory Is It?

I Peter 2:20 "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God."

I read the above verse one day last week and have been chewing on it since. The first half is easy - when we're punished for our wrong, we should take it. But Peter, did you have to add that second part??

What counts is that you put up with it for God's sake when you're treated badly for no good reason. There's no particular virtue in accepting punishment that you well deserve. But if you're treated badly for good behavior and continue in spite of it to be a good servant, that is what counts with God. (The Message)

If you have a sibling (or 2 or 3) you probably received punishment for their wrong doing at some point. A child is going to whine and complain when that happens. But there will be times as a child of God the same thing will happen. How do you respond?

But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. (NIV)

If you ever try to accomplish something in the kingdom of God, you will face opposition. Whether the motivation is jealousy, malice, or just because you didn't do it "their way," someone is going to criticize or talk about you. Will you just give up or will you continue on?

What credit do you deserve if you endure a beating for doing something wrong? But if you endure suffering for doing something good, God is pleased with you. (God's Word Translation)

God is pleased when our hearts and motives are right. Others may not see that. Do it anyway.

"In the Final Analysis"
by Mother Teresa

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered...
forgive them anyway

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives...
be kind anyway

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies...
succeed anyway

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you...
be honest and frank anyway

What you may spend years building, someone may destroy overnight...
build anyway

If you find serenity and happiness, people may be jealous...
be happy anyway

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow...
do good anyway

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough...
give the world the best you have anyway

You see, in the final analysis, it's all between you and God...
it was never between you and them anyway

Knowing Your Strengths

Twice this week Les and I have ridden on the Las Llayas Canyon Trail. I really like the first 3.5 miles, it's an average of 4% grade, some sandy areas, but nothing I can't handle. At the 3.5 mile mark is the "Y." At that point the trail takes an ugly turn and the grade quickly gets in double digits. I have gone about a mile further up the trail, but it is so hard, I really dread it! I can barely pedal, even in granny gear!

I tried something new when we rode on Tuesday. When we got to the "Y," I told Les to keep going. I then turned around, went about 2 miles down the trail, turned back around and came back to the "Y." This worked perfectly! The 2 miles of downhill gave my legs a chance to recover and I enjoyed the second time up even more. Meanwhile, Les got in a better workout as well.

We used the same strategy again this morning and I was pleased with my results. I can tell the ride is still pushing me, it's hard, but doable. I'm getting stronger and getting in lots of miles. But, I am not Les on the bike - he is so much stronger than me!

Do you find yourself silently "competing" with someone in life? Whether it's the type of car you drive or size home you own, the number of solos you sing in the choir or how many Sunday nights you play for service. Are you comparing yourself to someone else? Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:12 "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

Just as it is not wise or reasonable to think that I can ride as strongly as Les, it is not wise to compare ourselves to anyone else. I am working on my own riding and handling skills. So must we all work on improving the talents and abilities that God has given us. Let your gift make room for itself. Proverbs 18:16 "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men."