my idol?

I recently started gathering with a group of ladies every other week to do some Bible study.   We are starting out with a study guide: Get Out of Your Head, A Study in Philippians by Jennie Allen.

Interestingly enough, this study has encouraged me to get IN to my head a bit.  It has challenged me to consider what I actually THINK about; what I hold in the forefront of my thoughts.  I have uncovered that my most prevalent thought/emotion is Anticipation.   Not worry, or fear.... just anticipation of things to come.... mostly all of the good things.   I get caught up in planning and looking forward to certain events or occasions.
While that, in itself, is not a "bad" thing, I know that always looking ahead isn't the best way to spend my time.   I want to learn to be in the moment and to enjoy what each day brings.

When Thayer died, I learned rather abruptly that plans can change so quickly.   I remember throwing away my planner after Thayer died.    I had a tough relationship with paper calendars for quite a while after his death.   Here I am, over 14 years later tethered to my planning and my calendar.     
I won't deny it.... I am a planner through and through.   I have said many times that if I don't plan something, it doesn't happen.   
I've realized that this probably classifies me as a control freak.  eek.
I'm starting to grasp that my over-planning might not always be the best thing.   

God says, Be still and know that I am God (Psalm46:10).   

Do I take the time to be still and rest in His presence? Am I putting my full calendar squares and busyness ahead of my relationship with God?   
Is over-planning my idol?!  

Whew. Idols.
Jennie Allen made a bold statement in the video that accompanies our study:

  "We need to hate the things we love more than God."

This statement reminded me of Luke 14:26: 

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.  (ESV)

The mention of this verse pretty much derailed our little study group.   Everyone agreed that "hate" was such a strong word!  The thought of "hating" our family was awful to consider.   
I found a nice article that explains this verse a little more in context:  PLEASE READ HERE.

In short, Jesus' command requires us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all other relationships.  We are to prioritize our relationship with Him over everyone and everything!

You shall have no other gods before me.  (Exodus 20:3)

I've gained a new perspective to consider as I fill my calendar: 

Am I devoting my time and energy to Him?

How do I spend my free time?  What are my idols?

Lord, please direct my thoughts and help me to prioritize you above all else. 

black squirrel

Not our squirrel.  But similar :)

There is a solid black squirrel that lives in our yard.   
I had never seen a black squirrel before moving into our neighborhood.   I started to regularly observe a black squirrel on my morning walks a few years ago, and was excited to consider it a rare sighting.    My interest was peaked when one took up residence in our yard earlier this year.    It seems that black squirrels are a bit rare.... only 1 in 10,000 squirrels don a black coat.     

Our squirrel catches my eye, daily.  Some days I have seen him* sit upright in our driveway for long stretches of time, as if in deep thought.   One day I stared at him for several minutes as he held an acorn right outside of my window.   He'll jump from the trees or sit on logs.  You know- just doing squirrel things.
I'm aware that there are tons of other squirrels out there.... but he is the only one who entertains me.  He stands out.  He has zero camouflage amongst the brown leaves and tree bark.  There's really nowhere that he can hide.   I love that he is unique.   

Nature, and rarities in nature, are grand reminders of how we are all unique creations.  God has a purpose and a plan for us.   He cares for the sparrows, he cares for the black squirrels and he cares for you!

I think about how that black squirrel stands out and  I wonder what impression I have on people around me.  Do I fall into the background? Or do I stand out?  Do people see my uniqueness in Christ?   Do I make a difference in someone's day?   Can I bring a smile to someone's face?
I don't want to be a regular ol' squirrel. 
I want to be a black squirrel.  :)

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.     Matthew 5:16

*I haven't gotten close enough to know for sure.... but we like to assume he is male.  :)   He doesn't have an official name yet.