I finished my first five meal fast on Thursday. Mostly tea, water, and a little coffee. I felt the Lord prompt me to do it over a month ago, but I had not done it because it is not convenient to fast. I realized that it is sort of like weight lifting or running: you just have to schedule it and do it consistently if you want it to benefit you.
During the fast, I was telling the Holy Spirit that I want more of Him more than I want food.
Thursday night, I attended the memorial service for Peter's dad, Harweda Bruce Jordan. I had a conversation with him a few years ago about being baptized in the Spirit. He was a man who did silly things just to have fun, and I realized that I take myself way too seriously.
Saturday afternoon, I took the kids to get ice cream cones and then shopping at Lowe's, and I wore a silly looking Christmas elf cap. Beau asked me not to wear it, but I told him that I was just being silly. It was liberating to not worry about people thinking I look silly.
Saturday night, Brandi and I went to the College of Engineering Holiday Party, and I had agreed to start the dancing if they played a country song so that we could two-step. Later, they were playing some Latin dance music, and someone invited me to learn, so instead of taking myself too seriously, I got out there and tried to dance. It was definitely challenging my tendency to self-judge, but I mostly had fun.
After our church gathering yesterday, we went shopping at Sam's, and we had Sharita's two kids with us, so a total of six kids. The looks we got were pretty funny, but I was in a good mood and tried to keep with the theme of not concerning myself with the judgements of others.
I believe that I will grow in joy as I continue to see myself through my Father's eyes.
At home group last night, Sharita asked if I had considered a one word focus for 2019, and she suggested, "joy". I think I am going to run with that one.
Father, thank you for seeing the best in me. Thank you for covering me in the righteousness of Jesus. Holy Spirit, help me loosen up. I love you.
No comments:
Post a Comment