Daily Delight
Are you trying to give people something you don’t have to give? I’m talking about giving the person next to you on the plane the oxygen mask, while you’re passing out.
I’m talking about love, mercy, joy, peace, patience, kindness and self-control. You know, the life-giving attributes needed in the world...
Come on somebody! Tell me it’s not just me!
Truthfully, sometimes I walk around like I have it all together when really, I’m trying to live on leftovers; a Bible verse, a sermon, a book, an inspiring post from a month ago. When this happens, I get cranky with the people around me and think it's all their fault. But they're not the problem.
Now, breathe deep and don’t get offended...it’s possible you and I are the problem.
When we are empty, counting on energy drinks to give us strength and endurance for the day (when really, we are depleted of oxygen), we aren’t good for anyone, including ourselves.
Jesus couldn’t do anything without the Father. It’s why He rose early in the morning and prayed. Ding, ding, ding! If Jesus needed to seek His Father first, how much more do we need to? Can you imagine the strength and purpose we would find in Him? We would be running from person to person with our oxygen mask, placing it over faces until they were breathing again.
However, your oxygen isn’t meant to sustain them forever; yours is just to help them catch their breath. Point them to the One who gives life and breath so they can grab a hold of it for themselves. Learn to give oxygen to others. It requires that you read the Word and talk to your Heavenly Father. Find prayer partners. Jesus counted on the twelve to stay awake and pray! Just remember, your prayer partners are not your direct source to the Father’s heart.
He is the one with your direct oxygen supply. Grab a hold of it! Then go love the world! It’s what we're meant to do.
About the Author
Theresa Fenton
Currently living in Southern IL, Theresa was raised in the beautiful Berkshires of Massachusetts, and met her husband Kyle 24 years ago. They have two grown children – Abigail & Michael – both away at college and living their dreams. It’s been said that Theresa likes to “make all things pretty,” and that includes the words she puts on paper and her blog.
Theresa loves spending her time fixing up and decorating homes, cooking, meeting new friends, influencing the world around her with hope and faith and ultimately – to love God and love people a whole bunch!