transformer

look hard and you may understand why I chose this picture

Hmmm

Been reflecting a bit more on the theme of yesterday’s blog post. I know that there are times when I can present a hard edge or sharp corners when I am busy doing something and someone asks me something else. I instantly regret it and it is almost always a manifestation of frustration at the task I am carrying out rather than resentment of the person who is also after my time / attention / thoughts / ideas / prayers…

So what can I do about it?

Well, something and nothing.

It’s a curious partnership. While I may be able to reform through self-will, going to bed earlier so I am less grouchy, counselling, psychology or even be treated medically by a psychiatrist, these things are not dealing with me at the same level that God’s Spirit can. These things change my behaviour, God’s Spirit changes me. God transforms. His Spirit can change my spiritual DNA.

But he won’t force this on me. It has to be something I want him to do. He, God, my Creator, the Supreme Being, needs my permission to change me!

Told you it was curious!

A while ago there was a cartoon that said, “Please be patient, God is not finished with me yet.” I need that made into a badge I wear all the time. I think I also need one that says, “Please be gracious if I fail to be.” And another that says, “Trainee follower of Jesus.”

The astonished woman replies, “I beg your pardon, sir. I must have misunderstood you. What did you say?”

“Listen up, dammit. I said I want to join this damn church!”

“I’m very sorry sir, but that kind of language is not tolerated in this church.” The woman leaves her desk and goes into the Minister’s office to inform him of her situation. The Minister agrees that the woman in the office does not have to listen to that foul language. They both return to her office and the Minister asks, “Can I help you? What’s the problem?”

“There IS no damn problem!,” the man says. “I just won 200 million damn pounds in the damn Euromillions lottery and I want to join this damn church to get rid of some of this damn money.”