Wednesday, March 24, 2010

neverending fairy tale

Admittedly, I've been in bit of a black hole since we got back from vacation.  I did a lot of theatre in high school, and I used to have a recurring dream where I would be shoved onto the stage midway through the second act with no idea what my lines were. I'd stand there in the spotlight while the other principal character grinned at me, completely at a loss for words. Usually, I'd end up improvising and trying to play it off, but then my dreams progressed to where I didn't even know which play I was in!
Yeah, coming back from vacation is kind of like that.
"What's my line?"

There are so few constants in this life. Especially with three kids in the house and time moving so fast I feel like I'm running from "The Nothing". I never know what any given day is going to look like, despite my best efforts to plan. I don't know what's going to come in the mail, who's going to be sick, how motivated I'm going to feel, if my daughter's going to have an attitude, my son's going to be suspended from school, or my husband's going to have a job next week. I find myself continuing to try to control things, but they just crumble through my fingers. "I used to have such big, strong hands." (What's with The Neverending Story script in my head today?)


Hahaha

Anyway... (sorry, this Neverending Winter is going to my head I think) ;)

Yesterday in @heartsomaha, Dr Deb was talking about the story of Esther.  It's hard, I think, to always bring a fresh perspective to such a famous (and twice made movie) story. But she really got us thinking about how we see ourselves, and how we approach our King.  Do we walk around as paupers? Poor and undeserving, lowly and terrified, bashful and constantly trying to earn time with the king...  Or do we see ourselves as royalty?  Secure in our inheritance, confident in our position, knowing that we are loved and desired, operating in authority...

It challenged me to rethink my attitude. Because I've made Jesus Christ the Lord of my life, I'm adopted as a daughter of the King of Kings. That makes me royalty by definition. So why am I worrying myself over the unpredictable things in life, when I have full access to the One who can make anything happen? A princess knows the heart of her father, the King. And I know that the heart of God is good. So while things in life are rarely "easy-mode", I don't have to worry. I can rest easy in the arms of the King and let him be the constant. There is so much security in knowing that I am safe. I am taken care of.  In the midst of incredible trial, I am held. 
Take this identity as royalty as many different directions as you please, but for me, at this time, I just need to know that He's got it. I don't have to control everything. (Hark!) It's a weight off.

There's an awesome book called,  "His Princess, Love Letters from Your King" by Sheri Rose Shepherd. Here is an excerpt from the heart of the King.

   "My Princess... I am your peace.
      I long to give you rest for your soul and peace in your heart.  I know sometimes it looks like life has no peace to offer - just one big problem after another. It's true that the world is filled with hatred, envy, and every sort of evil, so please don't be looking for peace in people or attempting to position yourself where there are no problems.  The kind of peace the world tries to offer is built on false hope and man-made idols that will eventually crumble.  The peace I give you will transcend any trial or tribulation that comes against you because it is supernatural. So position yourself completely in My care, and let go of all those things you cannot control.  Then you will find true peace.  In the middle of chaos and confusion, I will always be your safe place - a place of peace.  I'm asking you, My princess, to share with others the peace I give freely to you.
   Love, 
   Your King and you Perfect Peace"

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

"And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."                2 Corinthians 6:18

2 comments:

Corinne Doughan said...

AMEN!

I admire your spontaneousness in life and flexibility. Although structure and routine can be a good thing ... it can also (like in my life) lead to a false sense of security that does NOT rely on God's sovereign character.

Thank you for reminding me of my princess status and to be at peace in God's plan for me, even if I don't always know the details of that plan ... :)

emily said...

Corinne, I was thinking about you today! I smiled at your post, because I've always admired your organization and stability. :) There has to be a happy medium, yes? lol You are definitely a princess. And your royal countenance shines to me, even in the midst of real hardship. Love you, friend.

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