Sunday mornings are always a challenge for our family of five. We race against the clock to get out the door in time to make it to the early service. This Sunday is no different except that we are later than usual. I toss a set of clothing at each child with an order to dress themselves and I ask my husband to check on their progress while I get ready. Before I know it we are sitting in church just as the music comes to an end.
Fifteen minutes into the sermon I observe my 6-year old son bend over to pick up an escaping crayon and that’s when I notice his attire.
Fifteen minutes into the sermon I observe my 6-year old son bend over to pick up an escaping crayon and that’s when I notice his attire.
Pants… on backwards.
Shoes… on the wrong feet.
Shirt… also on backwards.
Ugh!
Ugh!
Now, it is not unusual for me to look down at my sons feet only to discover his green blinking LumiNators pointing awkwardly in the wrong direction. However, a triple wardrobe malfunction… this is a first. Frustrated, I pull my son in, shoot a quick disapproving glance at the appointed clothing inspector and send them both to the bathroom for some rearranging.
I am slightly annoyed, but it is funny, too funny for me to really get upset. As I wait, I consider my own disorder. I wonder what God thinks when He finds me completely out of sorts. Not in my outward appearance, but on the inside, in my heart. Like the times when…
I neglect my quiet time and my prayer life is lacking.
And because my prayer life suffers so does my attitude.
And when my attitude is bad my flesh enters into battle with the Spirit for control.
And the condition of my heart reaches a critical danger zone.
Have you been there?
It’s depressing, because just like a 6-year old should know how to put his shoes and clothes on properly we also should know better than to leave our hearts unprotected. After all God’s Word clearly instructs us…
And it’s true. A heart not maintained continually in the Lord is a prime target for an all out attack and the things that will spring forth from it are often ugly and costly to us.But, the good news is, just as I pulled my son in and sent him for rearranging; Jesus also gently draws us back in and faithfully sorts us out. He restores our topsy-turvy heart to its upright position in Him.
Praise His name for that.
And He’s not frustrated or annoyed, He just offers us tender mercy and covers us lovingly with His grace.
Praise His name for that too.
I’m learning to guard my heart by habitually praying David’s wise and anointed words…
How is your heart today? Have you been guarding it or is it a little topsy-turvy?
What a beautiful post! I just love how God can take an experience such as the one you had and allow it to teach us something deeper about Him! Love this line, "He restores our topsy-turvy heart to its upright position in Him."
ReplyDeleteLove this, thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt really is a progression isn't it? When we neglect our time with God, everything else is affected. That's why it's so important that God be the center of our lives. Thanks for the great illustration.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It is so true. I have found so many times when my attitude or laziness affects my quiet time. Just as you said, Jesus pulls us in and rearranges us. How beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSweet Blessings~
Jenifer
Oh, I LOVE this post :) So cute. "Now, it is not unusual for me to look down at my sons feet only to discover his green blinking LumiNators pointing awkwardly in the wrong direction. However, a triple wardrobe malfunction… this is a first." How precious!
ReplyDeleteMy kids are now 18 and 16, and we've shown up to church in less-than-perfect condition many times. Plus, my son is sort of on display as he and my husband have played trumpet with the worship team for about 9 years now, so his wardrobe mishaps are right up there in plain view. Over the years, I've just come to realize that it could be SO MUCH worse when I consider where we could be! Instead, we're spending our Sundays in the house of the Lord - he takes us as we are.
A great post to wake up to this morning - thank you!
Thats great! I about spit out my OJ this morning when I read about Robbie's neon light-up shoes in church! That makes me think of that old hymn "Come just as you are!";)
ReplyDeleteI like this quote, "A heart not maintained continually in the Lord is a prime target for an all out attack and the things that will spring forth from it are often ugly and costly to us." This is so true. I leave my heart unprotected way too often...leaving a sweet spot for Satan's attack. God does sort us out. He fills up the vulnerable spots with His love and mercy!
Praise the Lord!
So true....I must say I've been topsy turvy lately, but in His goodness, He is drawing me back to Him. It's a process, but I'm up for it :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes my heart has felt pretty topsy turvy lately. Thank you for this sweet reminder. Christ can always right us and put us back on the right path.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post describing us like God sees us..so true..where would we be without him!
ReplyDelete