Living Creatively For Christ
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What do you see when you look at the above image? Do you see a glass half full of water, or a glass half empty of water? As I was having my devotional time this morning, reading the scripture from Galatians 6:4-5, the water image glass came to my mind. Here is the scripture I am referring to, with Paul doing the talking. The text is taken from The Message.
"Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life."
This scripture seems quite timely this morning, as I have had some issues in my life recently where I have been comparing myself to others, wondering if what I do is really worthwhile....if my work really counts or not. I've been pretty down on myself, quite frankly, and find myself looking at the glass of "work" water as half empty....not half full. So, it's no surprise that the Lord has brought me to this scripture this morning. I often find that scriptures come to me...or I am led to them...at just the right time. Can you relate?
If I am honest....I have to admit that at times (not always) my personality leans more toward seeing the cup half empty rather than half full about many things. I have really worked on that throughout life and feel that I have improved a lot. But then....discouragement comes.... and once again, that water glass just seems to be emptying, rather than filling up. It is an endless battle.
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Today's scripture speaks to living creatively, doing the "creative best" we can with our own lives. Creativity is defined as "the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work," (google.com definition). If I use my imagination and my original ideas, then I am using the gifts that God gave me. God has created me to be the person that I am....a person who has unique abilities and gifts. Therefore, there is no room in my life for comparisons to others.....so, why is it still such a challenge at times? Why do I still want to compare myself to others? Why does that glass still look half empty at times.....and not half full? Paul warns us not to be "impressed" with ourselves. So, perhaps the green eyed monster of envy comes into play here? Perhaps rather than focusing on my work, I'm too busy focusing on other people and then the comparisons come....the envy....the thoughts of, "I should be able to do that, to receive those kudos, to be seen differently, to look differently", and on it goes.....
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Ugh.....not a pretty picture at all!
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At times like this, I need the reminder in today's scripture to make a careful exploration of who I am and the work I have been given to do. I need to slow down and remember that I am a child of God. And that those around me are also children of God. And we are all at play here on Earth.
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And just like we tell children, "We need to play nicely together." And that can begin with me. In other words, what do I need to do to see things differently? After all, I can't control others, but I can work on controlling myself. (With God's help and leadership).
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So, for today, I'm going to take a detour from the half empty way of looking at things and work on getting back into living the creative life of being myself that God calls me to live. For today, I'm going to express gratitude for the gifts God has given to me and try to use them as creatively as I can.
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And my prayer is that I will continue to see the glass half full.....
How about you? Do you see the glass half full or half empty? What would you like to share? I so enjoy hearing from you. Have a great day!
Until Next Time,
Debbie
4 comments:
I, too, have often been led to passages in the Bible at just the right time. I always thank God for speaking to me and leading me where He wants me to go. I often try to grab the steering wheel and the outcome is not good! Comparing? As women, sadly, I think we all do it at times if we're being honest. I have been having some very difficult days at work, and that causes me to dream of retirement instead of just doing the work God has given me to do. As for that glass, generally half full, but like you, my personality tends toward half empty so that is something I work on regularly, and with at least some measure of success. Really enjoyed this post.
Isn't it wonderful, that the Lord leads us to the verses we need? I agree, women have a hard time with comparing one another. I understand about dreaming of retirement! But, in the meantime, I want to keep working on the glass half full stuff. Hope your week ahead is better. Thanks so much for sharing! Your responses are always so thoughtful.
I have to say, Debbie, that this blog post is some of the most inspirational writing that I have read in quite a while. I also have struggled to see the glass half full. A couple of people who know me well have lovingly pointed that out to me a couple of times. There are some situations where I feel beaten down, and it's in those settings that I find it hard to switch perspective. I think the key is in your words..."for today". One day at a time, even sometimes one moment at a time, I can do this. Just like you and Karen, I have also been led to certain verses, certain lines of a song, certain passages of books, certain blog posts; I have been led there to hear or read just what I needed at the time. I try to be open and to pay attention so that I don't miss those places where I'm being led. Thank you for your words. They have made a difference in my day.
Thank you, Sharon, for sharing your heartfelt thoughts. You are so right, that we need to be open and pay attention so we don't miss the leading. I'm glad my words helped to make a difference in your day!
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