When I was a little girl, every year before Christmas, my mother would give each of us an opportunity to look through the catalog Wish Book and write down everything we wanted. (We always knew that Santa Claus didn’t exist). Oh how I loved going through that book, pencil and one subject notebook in hand, neatly writing the item number, color and page number of all those wonderful toys. I’d like to believe that as a child I was somewhat of a realist. I knew that I wouldn’t get all of the items on my wish list, so I put the most desired things first on list. My mother would pick a few things to get from the list and keep them in the trunk of her car until she had a chance to wrap them to be placed under the tree. I remember one year I wanted a doll—come to think of it, I always wanted a doll—but this doll was special. She was a “big girl” doll. I knew that if I was on my best behavior, or didn’t give my mother any grief, that doll was mine. But then again, I was always a good child (smile).
The holiday season is upon us once again and we’re all hustling and bustling, rushing and running to buy gifts; praying we have enough money and time to do so. Another year is about to end and soon we will face a new year and venture into the unknown. I always take a retrospective glance over the things that I’ve said, done, thought, and, wished. Last night an image flashed in my mind: an abundance of gifts set aside for me that I couldn’t access. God revealed to me that my obedience is required, ALL of it, not just in spurts or little bit at a time. I cannot or will never receive the blessings that He has for me until I get in line. Isaiah 1:19 says, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:” (KJV). It’s been no surprise that I’ve had a difficult time with some things but it’s to be expected. I haven’t been obedient.
I realized last week that the things that God has asked me to do are for my own good: let go of some people who don’t have my best interest at heart; step out on faith and use my talent (my God given talent); be consistent in every area of my life. Sometimes things aren't as simple as they seem, but in this case it was. So I made a decision not to take certain people, attitudes, and behaviors into the new year.
The Lord told me years ago, Look past man and see Me. He won't lead us down the wrong path, He's simply leading us to the "good of the land." My mother always told us obedience was better than sacrifice. I've found that to be true, especially these last few years. And I'll be the first to tell you that the good of the land is much better than the bottom of the barrel. No thing or person is worth my inability to access what God as set aside specifically for me. What about you? Will you aim to please people in 2012 or strive to please God?
