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Friday 29 May 2009

the fact of the matter

the fact of the matter is
I'm a work in progress

every so often I remember
those who are far worse off than I am
and keep things all
in their proper perspective
every so often

sometimes I ignore
the impulse to strike out
in my defence, remaining
wisely silent and calm
sometimes

from time to time, I let go
of the need for the approval
of others, and focus instead
on the One who truly matters
from time to time

once in a while, I have
an utterly generous moment,
and all I can think of
is giving to another
once in a while

occasionally, I take time
to stop, reflect, and be thankful
for all that I've been given,
rather than all I think I lack
occasionally

every now and then, I can almost
touch the beautiful proximity
of my creator, sensing
his extravagant love
every now and then

the fact of the matter is
I'm a work in progress




***


The last few days, the air outside the front door has been full of butterflies, mainly Painted Ladies, coming through on the wave of warmer weather. Summer, after politely waiting in the wings while we all cooed with delight at Spring, is emerging. When I walked out with my camera this morning, the heat of the sun instantly hit me - making me realise I was wearing the wrong clothes.

Do you ever get the feeling you are wearing the wrong clothes? I feel it, when I end up being all the things I hate. When I'm irritable, impatient, selfish, consumed with a desire to please everyone, when all I can see is me and I forget the needs of everyone else. There's an awareness niggling at the edge of my mind, knowing, somehow, that I'm wearing the wrong clothes. And as soon as I turn to seek God's face, and feel his warmth, it becomes even more obvious.



My identity is in Jesus Christ, so when I behave in a way contrary to that lifestyle, I am acting outside of my true identity. I'm growing into it, I suppose you could say, but there are times I need to draw back and think - no, wait. I don't have to respond to this situation like this. With God's help, I can win over my natural reflexes (forces of habit, a lot of them). Instead of letting my insecurities take the reins, I can choose to dwell on the security of being 'in Christ', getting things in perspective, choosing to be wise.
I wear the wrong clothes a lot of the time. But in Colossians we are told:
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

Those are the things we should be wearing. I am a work in progress. I'm not going to get it right all the time. But I would like to do it a little more frequently than I do now. I want to see the transformation of my heart and mind. So that one day I will be as beautifully clothed as those butterflies, after their own amazing metamorphosis. I want to be who I was made to be.

18 comments:

Jenilee said...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE what you said about "I wear the wrong clothes sometimes..." and then quote that verse. that is such a great way to say it! Thank you!

Unknown said...

Beautiful post! I'm glad Lynnette featured you over at Dancing Barefoot!
Have a beautiful day!

Sitesx6 said...

Hi Lucy-
Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. I love that you are from the UK...how fun to have a sister in Christ across the ocean. :)

We have a bunny too (Willow) she is so fun. We also have four cats and a parakeet- oh and two kids. :)

I can't wait to get to know you better. I'm new to your blog but will catch up by reading your posts. :)
Happy Friday
Kelly

Kristin said...

Hi Lucy....just stopping by from Lynnette's. I loved this post and it was exactly what I needed to hear today! Thank you so much! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Julie Arduini said...

I am so glad Lynette featured you because I absolutely love your blog, your writing and your photography. I plan to be a regular reader!

Unknown said...

Hi Lucy. I'm only here for a second (after a crazy day), but I just wanted to say hi! You're a blessing.
Lynnette

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

What a great post, Lucy. I loved it...so true. Sometimes I wear the wrong clothes too, and it never does feel quite right. Love the way you shared this with such transparency. Congratulations on being selected as Lynette's Featured Blogger. I always enjoy my visits to your blog. Blessings to you...

Nutmeg said...

Beautiful thoughts! You hit the nail on the head so to speak!
~Amy (here from Lynnette's blog)

Sally said...

I want to be who I was made to be, oh yes, thank you for this beautiful post.

Carla said...

I love your analogy about wearing the wrong clothes! That is just what it feels like. I came over hear from Lynette's blog and look forward to snooping a bit more through your blog. Its great to meet another Woman of the Lord , especially one half a world away. God Bless you as you continue to live transparently and to shine His light!

Joyeful said...

"the fact of the matter is, I'm a work in progress." I loved your poem. So vulnerable and so true! And what a great analogy about what we should be wearing! I want to put on Jesus everyday! But I too am a work in progress!

It's so wonderful to meet you! I just hopped over from Lynette's and I've enjoyed my visit! I can't wait to read more!

MrsM said...

Hi there. I gave you an award which I now see you already have. Still, I wanted to let you know that I appreciate your blog. I know I don't comment~but I do lurk and appreciate what I read while doing so!

Sheryl said...

wow, lucy, i loved this! what a great analogy and one i hope not to soon forget.

funny how i worry about what i wear much more than my spiritual clothing!

Anonymous said...

That's beautiful thank you! xx

Linda said...

Lucy, I too LOVED your verse and your analogy . I too often wear the wrong clothes!

I love your blog, and all of your wonderful pictures. And I am so glad that Lynnette featured you the other day.

Thank you for the times when you visit my blog. I posted a poem about my granddaughter Abigail today. Perhaps you would want to join in on her Monthly Monday Poetry? You would be good at it, because I love how you write!

Have a great week!

Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

Karen said...

Stopping by to say Hi! I am visiting from Lynnette's blog. I somehow missed the last few of Lynnette's posts until today, so I missed you being featured. It has been fun getting to know new friends!

Blessings,
Karen

Unknown said...

Love that correlation between wearing the wrong clothes and being clothed with humility. So true!

Karen & Gerard Zemek said...

What a great post! Love your comparison here and am enjoying your blog. Have become a follower!

Visiting from SITS.

"The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people."- Richard Foster