Lean in.
Closer.
CLOSER.
The secret is...wait for it...
It's not about you.
Life isn't about rights; it's about responsibilities.
And when you realize that, you can face your on death, the hardest thing you will ever do, with an easy heart, because it's not unfair.
It's just life, and while you are circling the drain, the responsibilities remain.
And you will, trust me, thank God for them.
So, when you...wait, what?
"What about ME??"
What about you? Your heart is in someone else's care. You have to let it go, and give God the space to work. Kind of like steeling yourself not to watch the plumber as he's fixing your disposal and teaching His apprentice at the same time.
You are responsible for the care of others, and they are responsible for your care.
So let it go, and live.
Music from Linkin Park, ith the lovely Iridescent.
Please pardon my slow response to comments. I do my best, and your comments are really precious to me. Barb is answering many of them now. I'm running on fumes, if you don't mind a macho metaphor.
I'm grateful for the energy to have written this. I'm so glad Barbara's stepped in for many of my posts. I'm really not doing well at all.
Thanks to Carol Ashby, Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart is back on Kindle, and will be available in paperback soon.
Friends are everything. I couldn't have done it.
Marley update... been moved to a sanctuary, and Bay County will revise their 'dangerous dog' codes.
WE MADE A DIFFERENCE!
And marley has a Facebook page! Please drop by to see how happy he is today.
If you can, please do leave a comment. I am trying to answer all, and I am failing, but please know this - I read and treasure each one.
Below are my recent releases on Kindle -please excuse their presence in the body of the blog. I haven't the energy to get them up as 'buttons' in the sidebar. You can click on the covers to go to the Amazon links.
Andrew, it is hard so often to have the mindset that life is not unfair, and you, facing death are resolved to say that death is not unfair. Grace is given as we loosen our grip on what we think. Such a moment by moment exercise of the will and heart. May the secret of eternal life be revealed more and more as your temporal life prepares its passing. Remember, the wrapping is just slowly being taken off so what is inside can be set free. Praying for you. I am #27.
ReplyDeleteMary, I love this...'grace is given when e loosen our grip'.
DeleteThank you so much for this wonderful comment, and for your prayers!!
Great post friend! It is hard to let others take care of us, isn't it? Continuing to pray for you both.
ReplyDeleteTara, it hard indeed, but so rewarding hen we let go and allow it.
DeleteWe appreciate your prayers so much!
Thank you for sharing. Visiting from Five Minute Fridays. I am so sorry to hear you are struggling with your health. Sending you a prayer right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for being here today, Seana, and most especially for your prayers. Prayers are really needed, and since medicine's done with me, the most important thing.
DeleteThank you for your always-inspiring words, Andrew. I think it is potentially really freeing to realize it's not all about us - though at first that realization can be so hard. That song is amazing: there's a very haunting comfort there. Thanks for sharing it. God bless.
ReplyDeleteJeannie, you're so right - it IS a hard liberation. And I'm so glad you liked the song; 'very haunting comfort' is exactly ho I feel about it.
DeleteThank you so much for being here!
Great post, Andrew! It makes a big difference when we realise it's not all about us. It's not easy but I think there is a freedom in it too!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Lesley...the liberation comes at a cost, as all worthwhile things must. So glad you're here!
DeleteI commented last night, but somehow, it didn't go through. Blogger and Safari don't like each other.
ReplyDeleteThere is much truth in your words, Andrew. It's not about us. The WIIFM attitude permeates our culture and our thinking processes. When we remember we are here for a greater purpose than serving ourselves, we can live with more freedom. When we remember we are here, not to serve ourselves but to live and love as Jesus did—to love and serve the One who first loved us—that's when we can truly live.
I'm praying for you and Barb, my friend.
Jeanne, of late I've had trouble commenting on Wordpress-based blogs! Weird.
DeleteYou dissected the IIFM culture so neatly! Thank you for this. And most of all, we thank you for your prayers.
Good to read your work Andrew! Thanks for this truth we can never be reminded of too much. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Leigh! It's so nice to see you here, and hugs back!
Delete"Life isn't about rights; it's about responsibilities." Truth! Not to demand but to obey. Blessings to you and yours this weekend!
ReplyDeletevisiting from #59.
Vicki, 'not to demand but to obey'...such a cool way to say it.
DeleteSo glad you're here, and blessings back!
Another great post.
ReplyDeleteJan, thank you so much for this...and for being here.
DeleteThank you for your faith and courage.
ReplyDeleteGloria, I'm so honoured by your comment...thank you for this.
DeleteNot sure if I ever told you this, but one of my very best friends died at age 39 of breast cancer, leaving a husband and six-year-old behind. That felt unfair, but she didn't view that way. She chose to believe that, though cut short, she'd lived a sweet life, had been given wonderful opportunities serve others, and was now asked not only to show what it was to live in Christ but also to die in Christ. People like her and you inspire me to do and be better. Blessings!
ReplyDelete