God's Inventory

Ok so I have this beautiful friend, Lisa. She is so lovely inside and out, and truly one of those rare friends that God brings into your life.



The other day we were having one of our Oprah-sessions (as we like to call them), and I was just sharing with her about my life lately. We got to talking about how people come in and out of your life. Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it really hurts. And sometimes, more often than not, we don't quite understand why. And it's not just people. Sometimes things that were important, dreams we had, plans we've made.....sometimes it all works out a little differently than we imagined. And as we were discussing this, my dear friend said something so simple, yet so enlightened. She said "Well ya know Jess, God does inventory. He cleans up and clears out."



I LOVE that! And how true it is! Sometimes we crowd way too much "stuff" into our lives. And in order for us to truly walk the path that God has for us, God has to do some inventory. And just like it's hard to throw out some of those special keepsakes during spring cleaning (which for me this year included an entire year's subscription to People Magazine!), sometimes it's hard to let go of things WE think are important. Not only hard, but sometimes it can be confusing. There is such a fine line between letting go of something because God says it's time, and giving up because we don't feel like it anymore. But thankfully, God has given us the discernment of the Holy Spirit, and it is in these moments that we need to ask "God, what are YOU saying in this situation?"

For example, we can confuse ourselves by justifying activities, relationships, and priorities according to how we "think" we are supposed to act. It's hard to say goodbye to a relationship. One voice inside says it is selfish of me to just quit trying, but then I can feel God saying guard your heart against a relationship that isn't bearing fruit. It's hard to say no to another Bible Study. ("That's a church thing, Jessica. Wouldn't God want me to be more involved??") But if ANOTHER Bible study is taking more time from other things that God has for you, then that is some space He may be trying to clear out. Like I said, it's a fine line!

What inventory has God been doing in your life lately? Are there things you need to let go of? Is there room that needs to be filled with something to help you grow? As we go through different seasons of our lives, these are questions we need to keep asking and prayers we need to keep praying. "God, as I walk into this next season of my life, help me to know what to hang on to, what to let go of, and teach me to be open to changes that you would make inside of me."

Much love!