“If you can’t make your own self what you desire, how will you be able to fashion another to your own liking? We are ready to see others made perfect and yet we do not amend our own shortcomings.” -Thomas a Kempis, “The Imitation of Christ.” Brothers and Sisters, earlier this week I was finding myself rather consumed with how far short my family members were falling in meeting my needs. We had been cooped up in a house that was stocked with food and heated. I had so much to be thankful for but I was letting myself be pulled down by sinful thoughts. The house couldn’t stay clean. Might as well give up or... become bitter and irritated??? I woke up Wednesday or Thursday morning, can’t remember which, and the Lord brought to mind this wonderful read from which I’ve quoted. It has frequently challenged my heart to examine itself, to remember who the standard is in this house. It is not me. It is not Josh. It is Christ, the Living Word. He is the standard and I had fallen into the trap of making myself the standard that everyone was failing to reach. This is one quite amongst many worth of reciting from this wonderful book, but it’s what I need to remember. How imperfect I am! How perfect Christ is and yet He loves me. ❤️ Repentance followed. Private repentance between me and my Father came first but then also and so importantly, repentance of all this to my husband. He had borne the brunt of my frustration, withholding of love, pouting, etc. He forgave me. God forgave. It’s already been covered by Calvary but repentance is so necessary in order for one to be accountable to God, to oneself, and to others. Thankfully there is always the opportunity for new beginnings, a new leaf, etc. I hope this testimony is helpful to someone!
