The day I walked into the church, with the corner of my dress firmly tucked up inside my pantyhose, would have to be one of my top ten most embarrassing moments. Some of you younger folks may not be aware of the 1996 fashion. The standard accompaniment when wearing dresses was nylon hose on the legs. They came in all shades. Unfortunately, that day, I chose a “nude” pair.
My two toddlers and I had quickly made a restroom stop before the morning worship. Anyone with toddlers knows this is no easy feat!
After I finally arrived at the sanctuary pew, and got the children settled, a sweet, teenage girl quietly slipped in the pew behind me and informed me of my predicament. If I could have crawled under the pew and slithered out, I would have. There was no option but to laugh it off and make the necessary adjustments.
Afterwards, my husband asked, “Could you not feel the dress stuck in there?”
I assured him, with all the “control top” undergarments, everything felt stuffed in there!
Due to the numbing tightness, I was totally unaware the dress had gone astray.
That incident happened over twenty years ago. Not one Sunday has gone by since, that I have not triple-checked the location of my hemline. Needless to say . . . lesson learned.
In Haggai 1, the Lord says, “Give careful thought to your ways.”
How often do we rush around in life, not really seeking God’s direction? Sometimes, we jam-pack our days with so much (work, sports, organizations, etc.), absent-mindedly agreeing to participate, mandate, and coordinate; we fail to realize when something is amiss.
Our hearts become callous to God’s purpose for our lives. Even if all our activities are “good” ones, we can allow ourselves to become stretched to a numbing ineffectiveness.
The people Haggai spoke to were afflicted with a drought to draw their attention back to God’s will for their lives.
What hardships are you now burdened with because you rushed ahead and did not seek God’s counsel?
Choose not the controlling pressures of the world, but rejoice in the freedom Christ offers. Always pray first, Seek God’s wisdom and guidance in all things, including the use of your time.
Trust and obey when He says, “Be still.” Be thankful for the afflictions that soften your heart so you are sensitive again to His voice and will for your life.
Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Psalm 119:70-71 (NIV)
I might learn your decrees. Psalm 119:70-71 (NIV)
A freelance writer and blogger, Sally Matheny’s writing is published in numerous online and print publications including Appleseeds, Clubhouse Jr., and Homeschooling Today.
Sally enjoys encouraging others by reflecting on ordinary life under God’s extraordinary Light. She challenges people to grow spiritually and model courageous, Christian living for the next generation.
She and her husband live in the foothills of North Carolina. They have three children, two sons-in-law, and one grandbaby on the way. Connect with Sally via her blog, www.sallymatheny.blogspot.com, on Twitter, Pinterest, and on facebook.
My guest blogger, Sally Matheny, who is a wonderful friend of mine, is offering a “Quiet Time” giveaway. Each person who leaves a comment at the end of this blog post will have their names entered into a drawing.
Comment with a moment when you learned the value of being still before the Lord. Share with us the name of a devotion book you have enjoyed reading. Or maybe you’d just like to ask for prayer in this area–we all need prayer!
We’ll randomly select a name on August 28. The winner will receive a 5 oz. pack of freshly roasted coffee from Paxville Coffee and a Women of Faith devotion book.
