"Good"
I was just thinking as I sat here this morning reflecting on dropping our big 2 off for the start of school this morning, about my definition of good.
What is good?
You see I was thinking about some of the things that are a little chaotic in our lives now, and how I wish they were resolved. Not only do I wish they were resolved, but I wish they were resolved in the manner of my preference. Ever been there before? I'm sure you have.
Then Romans 8:28 popped into my head. In case you aren't familiar with it, it says this: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
But if I believe what I profess to believe then I must confess that I believe God is working. And if I believe that God is working, then I must believe he is working "for the good." So here I am, what is good?
At first I want to say that good things make me happy, they give me warm fuzzies, I'd take all good things all the time. But, isn't that a pretty juvenile definition of good?
Why do I make my kids go to bed even when they are not sleepy? Because it is good for them. Why do I not eat the entire thing of cookie dough in my fridge in one night? Because it is not good for me. Why do I force my kids to continue with a job, or a task, or an activity that they don't enjoy. Because learning to finish something is good for them. Why do I balance my checkbook when I don't really want to? Because having a grasp on our finances is good for our family. I'm sure you get the picture.
If I define "good" things as things that are always pleasant and nice then I am really doing a poor job defining the word.
Good things are not always easy, or comfortable, or nice. They don't always make you happy or want to sing. They are not always the way you would have preferred or even chosen. But they are always beneficial. Sometimes only in the big picture and sometimes only in the rear view mirror.
So as I sit and think about the crazy things in my life, I breathe, and take some in some of His peace. Knowing that it is all working for my "good." That may not be the easy, comfortable, peaceful, relaxing way I would prefer. (I am totally ok, if it does work out that way!) But I rest knowing that it will be for my good, and I will see that some day.
What is good?
You see I was thinking about some of the things that are a little chaotic in our lives now, and how I wish they were resolved. Not only do I wish they were resolved, but I wish they were resolved in the manner of my preference. Ever been there before? I'm sure you have.
Then Romans 8:28 popped into my head. In case you aren't familiar with it, it says this: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
But if I believe what I profess to believe then I must confess that I believe God is working. And if I believe that God is working, then I must believe he is working "for the good." So here I am, what is good?
At first I want to say that good things make me happy, they give me warm fuzzies, I'd take all good things all the time. But, isn't that a pretty juvenile definition of good?
Why do I make my kids go to bed even when they are not sleepy? Because it is good for them. Why do I not eat the entire thing of cookie dough in my fridge in one night? Because it is not good for me. Why do I force my kids to continue with a job, or a task, or an activity that they don't enjoy. Because learning to finish something is good for them. Why do I balance my checkbook when I don't really want to? Because having a grasp on our finances is good for our family. I'm sure you get the picture.
If I define "good" things as things that are always pleasant and nice then I am really doing a poor job defining the word.
Good things are not always easy, or comfortable, or nice. They don't always make you happy or want to sing. They are not always the way you would have preferred or even chosen. But they are always beneficial. Sometimes only in the big picture and sometimes only in the rear view mirror.
So as I sit and think about the crazy things in my life, I breathe, and take some in some of His peace. Knowing that it is all working for my "good." That may not be the easy, comfortable, peaceful, relaxing way I would prefer. (I am totally ok, if it does work out that way!) But I rest knowing that it will be for my good, and I will see that some day.
posted by Allison at
10:49 AM
3 Comments:
This is so beautiful, Allie.
By
laura jo, at 12:06 PM
Welcome back to Texas, friend! I hope we get to see you all soon.
By
kentbrantly, at 12:25 AM
SO SO SO TRUE!! Christ didn't say it would be easy, He only said it would be worth it!! So hard to always remember that His path is the best path. It certainly is the most stretching and can be the most difficult, but in the eternal perspective it will bring us the most joy!! I love you and your words of wisdom. I wish I could help make this path easier, but I know that you and your family are so strong and can endure it well!!
By
The Nielsen Family, at 3:55 PM
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