Yesterday we had our family cookout. I love being a part of a large family, and our family is HUGE. I guess that’s because it’s all I have ever known. And even though it was a nice turnout, it wasn’t even half the people who typically show up. 

Being with them is one of my greatest joys, but it can be a lot of work too. Not only physically, but mentally as well. What I mean by that is…you have to be able to stand on what you know is right even when you stand alone, and even when it’s not the most popular thing to do.

Let’s just say that I have a completely new respect for the word obedience. 

You know how God runs back events in your mind like a movie? Well, there were a couple of things that he showed me today that caused me to re-evaluate what was really important to me. On the outside, they seem really simple, but things are rarely simple with God. He always has a lesson for us…we just have to be willing to listen. 

Now, typically, after we unload our vehicles, we pull around to the front to park in the designated spaces. But when I got ready to move my car, someone told me that I didn’t have to move it, and gave me the reasons why. Then they said the thing that is almost akin to “I dare you,” and it was…“You are so scared.” 

When they said it to me they didn’t know how much I despise anything associated with the word fear. I explained that it wasn’t fear, but that I liked doing what was right. But then I said the words that God spoke back to me today…”Ok, I’ll follow you then.” OMG! When God brought that back to my remembrance this scripture immediately came to mind, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27) What I did said that I cared more about what they thought then what God thought. That one really hit hard. I love my family, but not more than I love the Lord.

God also gave me some specific things that He wanted me to share with my family about the history behind why we do what we do. He said that people don’t participate as much when they are not invested in what is going on. When it came time to have the meeting, it was decided that we didn’t need to have it then, and that it would be best to reschedule it for another time. Even though I knew what God was leading me to do, I gave in…again. Once I realized what I had done, this is what I said, “I repent, Lord. Forgive me, Father for putting anything or anyone over You.”

We mess up sometimes. We make mistakes. The thing is to acknowledge them, ask for forgiveness, and make the best of the next opportunity…because there will be a next time.

Until next time…

Be blessed