3 things you don't know about me

I have a hard time remembering everyone has their own story...everyone.

Did you catch that?

That short-tempered cashier, that rushed waitress and yes, even that person in traffic who is so mad they're making you mad. All of these and more have their own "reasons" why they're at the place they are with the attitude they have. I'm not saying it's ok to blame your circumstances (or lack thereof) for your bad behavior, but when we take a second to see where someone is coming from, it REALLY helps our perspective change to give them a little grace.

If I forget this, surely someone else does too. So, in my attempt to help, and be transparent in the process, here's 3 things you don't know about me that have impacted the way I am today:

1. I've been to a lot of funerals. A lot. Probably more than the number of years I've been alive. That's a lot of loss; a lot of grieving. I still remember carrying around pictures of my best friend who died when I was 6, and that's just one of many.

2. I was bullied in school, complete with death threats. I still remember her face and wondering what I did to make her hate me so much.

3. I never really had friends. My parent's friends had all boys. It wasn't until I was about 12 before I had my first female friend. We moved when I was 15 and completely lost any friends I did have.

So there's my sob story :) Honestly though, these are just 3 things in my life that I can look back on and easily see what it's done to my character, not to mention the little day-to-day things that try to steal my joy and attention.

These types of things don't define us, but they sure do shape us one way or the other into who we are today.

Just something to think about as you encounter people today...what might their story be?

What's your story?

One day at a time

If you know me even a little, you know I'm a planner. Hardcore planner.

Let's get all the details written up, scanned for typos, updated to the minute and laminated.

Wouldn't it be nice if life were like that? For me, that would be ideal. Show me the plan and I'll follow it!

The thing is, when you follow Jesus - He is your plan.

I've been a Christian for a long time and I'm still learning this one.

I don't need to know all the answers. I don't need to know how the day or week will turn out.

I want to, but I don't NEED to.

I need to seek Jesus. I need to go to Him for everything and trust that He's got this.

I need to put down my planner, stop thinking of where I'll be a year from now, 5 years from now, etc., and take it one day at a time.

One...day...at...a...time.

I cringe just typing that. It's against my nature, but a lot of things with God are.

You know that whole "His ways are not our ways, His thoughts are not our thoughts" thing? It's true.

We've got to continually train ourselves to think and act like Christ, because it doesn't come naturally.

Bottom line: I don't need to know and plan out every detail of my day or life. I need to take it one day at a time. (Give yourself some bonus points here if you are to the point of actually being excited for the adventure of taking it one day at a time.)


*Are you a planner? How do you choose daily to trust God with all the details and "plans" in your life?