Lord God, I have NO idea why the number 15 sticks in my head. I would like to enumerate 15 things that I want to bring into our conversation this morning. I think I won't have any trouble getting to that number, and beyond.
- Lent: I want to do something memorable and meaningful for Lent this year (and, truth be told, every year). What would You like? (I almost said, "What would You suggest," but that would ot give You the respect that You deserve.)
- My dear, "curious" husband George; He just has to go to the Bahamas to see his brother this winter. I am not certain whether the push is to go to the Bahamas, to get out of this snowy, stormy, winter in New England, or to see his only bro. He admitted that part of his push to retire early is his fear that he, like his father and his grandfather, will die at a relatively young age. Serious thoughts. Is there something I need to do, under Your direction, to encourage him?
- My first: Amy and her job search and finishing graduate school. And leading that trip to Mexico. And, as I have for many years, essentially since her birth, her (possible, by Your will) future husband.
- My second: Julie and her finishing undergraduate school and her future job in inner-city Philadelphia. That "inner-city" stuff strikes fear into my heart, which is of course indicative that I am not trusting You to direct her and protect her. I do, Lord. Please help her in particular to find an affordable and safe place to live--not in that order--and preferably by herself, at her own request. And more than all of that, please keep her (or draw her) close to You. She is disgusted with some of the modern church. I was thinking "people, practices, arrogance, snobbiness, failure to reach out, failure to understand" but it is really all of the above.
- My mother: I will write about her in another place.
- Heritage: so frustrating! I am not at all sure how to deal with this, and I definitely, more than ever, need You to bridle my tongue. I could use a God-sized infusion of wisdom, too. "Finesse...." That comes from work, but it has never been my strong suit in any area of my life.
- Interpersonal relationships and friendships: Horrible. Again, as I look back over my life, this area has never been an area of strength. I may need a bit of focus on this in my time with You. I sometimes recall that You had people who adored You--and some who hated You. Not sure what to make of that when it comes to Your being my example! ;)
- More sins: Sarcasm...
- Judgmentalism...
- Laziness
- Disorganization...
- (Getting to 15!) PRIDE, my worst...
- Carelessness with money...
- Failure to keep the 1st commandment 1st...
- Failure to keep the Sabbath?
That "Sabbath" sin is a tough one. "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
Matthew 12:8 This, in the context of Jesus's plucking grain to feed His disciples.... I will try much harder, Lord, to "keep the Sabbath holy."
This darned cat is demanding my attention. I will go play with her for a bit. Later, Lord--please keep me to that promise.
