If it doesn’t Fit You must Acquit!

I wish for all my teens to have a blessed and an abundant life. I pray that they learn to listen more, and be able to receive correction so that they are groomed  in the Lord’s path.   Now, remember back in 1994 when OJ Simpson, pro ball player was charged with his wife’s death? and remember the famous tagline that his lawyer Johnny Cochran had stating his innocence? “If the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit?  Well as I was listening to my kids’ after school conversations in the kitchen, I felt that I needed to impart a little word or two of enlightenment.(Yes, world  I’m going in.)  ” I know my dear sweet young people that you are ready to “try on” the world!  But remember; check your tags for the right fit! If you don’t, you may end up wearing something that was never meant to fit you. Something that may constrict you if it is too tight, or keep you distracted so much, that you spend all your time trying to keep it together because it’s too baggy in the first place. Be open to listening so that you’re willing to find  the right  fit for you.  Here’s an example; My daughter and I like to shop, but we always come to an impasse when finding an outfit. Whatever  appealed to me, she despised and vice- versa.  However, we both always agreed when it came to the fit. If the fit wasn’t right, she would find another size. It may have been an odd color or print, but there wasn’t a variation in fit and comfort.  One store we visited only had a particular outfit in two sizes neither of which was my daughter’s size. She was running out of time for this outfit was for an event. “What are you going to do?” I asked.  If she got one outfit, it would have been too small; she wouldn’t be able to walk much less sit down; The other size would have her spending the whole evening  in fear that it would drop to the floor. Because there were no other suitable choices around the store, she decided to go for the larger size. ” Why would you take the larger one?  won’t it fall off of you?” I asked.  “Sure! but why can’t I take it to be altered to fit my size? didn’t you always say  ‘ Take in what you’re willing to make fit for you.’ That’s what I’m gonna do! ”  I looked at my wise young daughter and realized that between all the  loud music and greasy foods she’s consumed, that she actually heard me speak a word into her life! Praise God !  If you are willing to take time to assess the situation in life, you will always find what will fit for you; Maybe you may have to make adjustments, but know that God will provide the needle & thread to pull it together!   God Bless!

What opportunities do you see in your obstacle?

You know, I started this week with my husband and kids envisioning all the plans I intended to make; Get ready for Jessica’s induction ceremony, (she made it into the  National Honor Society, Praise God!) The boys have basketball practice on Tuesday, Get groceries & meals planned  for Memorial Day weekend,& so on….but Tuesday morning I awoke with a pinched nerve in my lower back. The pain was something I had never felt in my life! (for those of you who have back issues, I have a newfound respect for you.) The past several days I haven’t been able to walk, much less stand. I asked God was this an obstacle that would take me out for good? Each day has been a challenge; Even the pain meds & heat and ice therapy wasn’t working. I prayed and prayed. One night, through my tears I heard the Lord say; “Let Go.” I was still trying to manage the household like a super hero in the midst of my pain. Still worried about dinner,the kids,my husband, etc; After all the advice I give to new moms at church, you’d think I’d take my own.   The Lord was speaking to me and through me. ” Daughter, here is an opportunity to fallback. Let the laundry cease; let the kids eat sandwiches; Let Dad have father /daughter time at her ceremony, Missing one practice really won’t change their place in the NBA. Let go of the control.”    Suddenly life didn’t seem urgent or that I had to handle everything. As the week went on, I had a conversation with my oldest who is 21. I began to counsel & encourage him in some issues; Later, a church member called and I found myself using my discomfort to encourage & uplift her assuring her that God hadn’t forgot about her problems. He showed me that in my obstacle it was an opportunity for him to use me.  2 Corinthians 12:9 says “But he said to me, ‘My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” {NIV} In what ways have you seen God work in your obstacles?