“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:2 KJV
Let me set the scene…
I’m a single 55 year old. I haven’t birthed any children – but have been placed in a hard situation where I’m raising 14 and 10 year old girls. (I’m not exactly sure how long this may last.) In addition, my other grandnephews who are 13, 12 and 5 are in close proximity too. I, along with my older brother, share the responsibility of transportation to and from school and school bus stops.
I love children of all ages. I’ve worked with kids of all ages. In comparison, bringing children home every night with me – well let’s just say at times is difficult, I lack the patience I should have. At work I constantly analyze and apply methodology. I put on the hat of trauma informed responses. I coach early childhood professionals. At home I’m so ready to hang that hat up and refuel because I’ve “clocked out.”
I can’t clock out now…
Now I find myself as a guardian experiencing what the parents of children I work with feel. (That’s actually another devotional not written yet on how God puts us in scenarios where we gain new skills like empathy and compassion because we’ve experienced what those we are helping have.)
I digress…
This morning with a car full of my “Grands” I felt God speak to me directly. In a small quiet thought – as three Grands debated some topic in my back seat – God said, You’ve got to reset. You need to reset to gratefulness!
The scripture stated above from Romans came to mind. I need to not adopt a “normal” thought process about this or conform to this world. I need to approach differently and renew my mind from the way I want to handle – to how God wants me to react.
Then Romans 8:28 came along too reminding me that all things work together. This is all in God’s master plan. There’s something for me to learn and some way I need to minister to each of them.
Next, I received:
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 KJV
I need to be obedient and bring every thought I have in line – definitely when I am thinking waywardly.
You may ask where the concept of gratefulness comes in to play? Well, as I wrote this Philippians 4:4 came in my head. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” In order to truly rejoice it is helpful to be grateful – or in other words – appreciative.
So now I’m rehearsing and meditating:
“This is all in God’s master plan.”
‘Be thankful you have this time with them.”
“There’s something for me to learn through this.”
“I need to prayerfully seek moments to minister or set an example.”
“I’ve got to bring my negative thoughts under subjection.”
My last scripture on which to meditate to reset to gratefulness in this situation:
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV
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