A Reminder

Good morning, Friends.

We live in a culture of distraction. We have small devices in our pockets that chirp at us constantly throughout the day. We have unlimited content available for streaming at the push of a button. We can have almost anything delivered to our door within a matter of days, and in some case even hours. For myself, I’ve found it dangerously easy to substitute immediacy for quality. And sure enough, I will read something or have a chat with a friend about doing better. But I’m quick to forget. I’m swift to step down the easier path. I’m distractible.

I know I’ve written on something similar already. But our God is a shepherd who will go after the one lost sheep. (In this case, ME!) He persists in reminding us, in bringing us back, in inviting us into a holier existence. We must not allow our eyes to drift from his glory. We must not let our guards down. He knew I needed to be reminded of this today.

I woke up with Philippians 4:8-9 on my mind.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I’m embarrassed by how fickle I can be, drifting between having great resolve to redeem these days and just wanting to numb them away. And here is where I’m reminded of my desperation for Jesus. My prayer today is for our gaze to be fixed on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy. How would my day look if my thoughts, actions, and spent time filtered through this list? For me, this will look like intentionally considering ways to steward our home, ways to thoughtfully connect with my kids, ways to serve my friends from afar, ways to be still and present with Jesus. Friends, the calling to holiness does not come easy during this season, and I’m so grateful God does not expect perfection. But he is good, and his ways are good, and he has promised to be with us as we journey along.

With hope for more,

Kate