Quote for the day

I came across this great quote on Monday - simply have to share it.

"Do not give up what you want most, for what you want at the moment"
Lynn Greenling

I was sorely convicted actually. I'm not by nature spontaneous but I do confess -- I get distracted, lose focus on the goal and give in for something at the moment. Whether it is a second helping of potatoes when I am seeking to get healthy or cutting short the waiting for something I would like to buy for a cheaper version of it. Closer to my heart right now is saying I WANT IN MY NEW HOUSE!!! I'm tired of waiting. Can we forget about that thing??; do we really NEED to wait for this thing?? Tim is much better at waiting, staying focused. I'm blessed to be married to this man -- he equals me and balances me so well!!!

Our society is said to be one of instant gratification -- we have lost this simple principle of waiting for what it is that we want most.

You know what really struck me is that USUALLY God's best for us also takes waiting. There are always opportunities to cut things short and settle for what the moment can offer. Lots of opportunities, as children, as young people and as adults --- too many opportunities to try and shortcut God's plan. Waiting for God's best though is such a matter of hope because it can't get any better than what God has for us!! In my devotions this morning I read a piece of Max Lucado's book "Eye of the Storm" and it again reaffirmed what I have been hearing this week. Here is a piece of what he said:

Can you imagine the outcome if a parent honored each request of each child during a trip? We'd inch our bloated bellies from one ice-cream store to the next. Our priority would be popcorn and our itinerary would read like a fast-food menu. Go to the Cherry Malt and make a right. Head north until you find the Chili Cheeseburger. Stay north for 1300 calories and bear left at the Giant Pizza. When you see the two-for-one Chili Dog Special take the Pepto-Bismol Turnpike east for five conveninece stores. At the sixth toilet..........

Can you imagine the chaos if a parent indulged every indulgence?? Can you imagine the chaos if God indulged each of ours? No, is a necessary word to take on a trip. Destination has to reign over a Dairy Deluxe Ice Cream Sundae. For God has not destined us to the terrors of judgement but to the full attainment of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Note: God's destiny for your life. Salvation.

God's overarching desire is that you reach that destiny. His itinerary includes stops that encourage your journey. He frowns on stops that deter you. When His sovereign plan and your earthly plan collide, a decision must be made. Who's in charge of this journey?

If God must choose between your earthly satisfaction and your heavenly salvation, which do you hope He chooses. Me too....

I can agree. Me too, God.

Next time I want to plead for an indulgence, I hope I am reminded that God's best is my heart's real desire. I hope that I will listen obediently when He tells me "no". And maybe tonight as I see my daughter serving her newest dessert creation I can remember that this also is something I can pass up as something I want for the moment but not for my ultimate goal of rediscovering my waistline.