Short Fuses and Cabooses
To say that the caregiver's proverbial plate is full, is an understatement. I keep trying to blame my short fuse on my age, but I know that it keeps getting shorter because of being overloaded and overwhelmed. I don't know about you, but it seems to me that each day has more things to do than what will comfortably fit inside of 24 hours. I'm constantly shifting tasks around and choosing the highest priority tasks to complete. That means some things get done - but not all. There's always some straggling chores to nag me every night. I honestly feel like I'm riding the caboose and barely keeping up, or not keeping up at all! Maybe it's just me. (?)
I am certainly guilty of pushing myself too hard and then condemning myself when I fail to reach my goals. I'm so glad that God is not like that! I was looking at all those listed has having faith in Hebrews 11 this morning. Many times, we are wowed by their abilities and accomplishments. But not one of them was perfect. Actually, all of them except Joseph failed miserably at one point or another. This did not exclude them from operating in faith. So, there is some hope for us!
It's far too easy to try to "measure" faith by what we get, have, or avoid. But faith actually has nothing to do with any of that. Faith means we are still trusting God, no matter what the day looks like. Trusting God in the middle of the storm is faith. Running to Him when things get too complicated or tough is faith. Asking Him for direction and wisdom is a great display of faith. Turning to Him at any point - and believing what He said is faith.
There were no totally flawless people mentioned in Hebrews 11. It is a list of some rowdy characters for sure. Even Rahab the harlot (how would you like that surname?) is listed as having faith. How is that possible? It's simple - she believed what God said. So, when we believe what's written in the Word and trust in Him - we have the faith we need for today too.
Today, I'll remind myself that faith can exist in the middle of a messed up life, even if it got messed up by bad choices. I'll think about how I continue to run to God with overflowing emotions, difficult situations, and horrible mess-ups - and how He comforts me every time. I'll remind myself that He's never kicked me out or cast me away, even if the mess was my own doing. He still offers grace, mercy, and peace. It takes faith to receive it. So, today, I'll be thinking about receiving His peace as I sit here in the caboose with my short fuse. And I will trust Him to get me through one more day. Will you join me?
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