Reminders

“Life is a series of tradeoffs.” -my dad (and yes, I know he’s not the first person to say this, but I’ve heard it from him most often)

Living on a sinful, fallen planet means I’m never going to have it all at once. Some element of life will always be less than desirable, no matter how joyful my general circumstances are. In gaining one thing, you lose another. That’s a recipe for discontentment in my sinful heart unless I realize the truth of what my dad says – I will never have perfect circumstances, but the only godly response is to be thankful for the blessings and be joyful in the trials of each circumstance I am in.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

“Just take it one day at a time.” -my fiance (again, this is obviously not 100% original, but he often reminds me of it)

This reminds me of Jesus’ words: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). My Heavenly Father knows what I need, and He’s got it all figured out. He’s got the whole world in His hands – why do I think that He doesn’t see or can’t take care of my circumstances, as if they’re beneath the sovereign King of the universe?

And taking it one day at a time reminds me that the joys and cares of tomorrow don’t belong to me. I can plan and work for the future, but all I have is today. It’s restful to know that my Shepherd will guide me today, and be faithful also when tomorrow comes.

I am thankful for wise counsel that reminds me where to place my focus.