Shuffle Day
As the seasons make their change, I'm forced to do a major shuffle. It usually takes a whole day. Sorting, bagging, laundry, boxes in and boxes out.When we woke up this morning I realized it was time. Today is a shuffle day.And so, while the kids were eating breakfast, I got their winter clothes sorted and bagged up to pass on. During baby nap time, our 3-year-old and I sorted through the boxes of next size of hand-me-downs that have been living in the garage. Next step, laundry. Then shuffle-shuffle-shuffle everything around to their new spots.I actually like this process. There are so many sweet memories attached to those little clothes that no longer fit my growing babies. I love this moment to remember. I need this moment to remember.The pile of next size clothes is amazing. Our older cousins are perfectly spaced in size above our kids. Once again, we have more than enough clothes for the year ahead. (Thank you Jehovah Jireh.)Life is a constant metaphor for me. Today I can't help but think about the shuffle of "me". Seasons come and go. And when it's time to make room for the new, I need to sort through and bag up some of the old. There are things about me, that I've outgrown. Thoughts, actions, ideals, dreams, pains, fears. They no longer fit. And I see that my Father God has a huge pile of new things for me to try on and grow into.And I think need to take the time to look at the things I'm letting go of. It is not a shameful thing that I used to wear those things. They were what I could wear in those days. They were part of my journey. And some are "standing stones" that display the goodness and majesty of God's work in my life. I should not despise them. I should not forget them. It seems I need shuffle days for my life.The words that come to mind are the words of prophetic encouragement to Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4:10 & 7.
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin. It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty.
My Father God rejoices to see the small beginnings in my life. He celebrates my baby steps. He celebrates me. And the Truth is, my growth is not really in my own hands. I'm definitely part of it, but His Spirit is the power by which I grow. What an awesome hope I have. I am not the creator of my own self. Thank God! Hmmm, I'm loving this shuffle day.
As I sorted the sizes, I came across a tag that said "One Size Fits All". In a kid's sweater. NOT TRUE! There is no way that sweater fits ALL kids. What a ridiculous claim.And here's the other metaphor that captured my heart today. When it comes to my growth and walk with Jesus, it is not "one size fits all". Other people may be wearing things that I am years from wearing. And vice versa. Just as we shouldn't be ashamed of or belittle who we were, we shouldn't use others as a measure. There will always be someone "worse" and there will always be someone "better". Comparing ourselves with others is like constantly flipping a coin that delivers a verdict of self-justification on one side and self-condemnation on the other. That is no way to live. My worth and journey is not affected by the lives of others. My worth and journey is found only in Jesus.
Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. (Galatians 6:4-5)
Ooooh, I'm loving this shuffle day. My heart is full of life and hope because of who I was, who I am, and who I am becoming.How are you? Do you need some time to think about your journey? To celebrate your journey and make room for the new season God has for you? Do you need a shuffle day?