A Goldilocks Life

Groan, Groan

A few years ago, I remember a day when my state of mind was “Groan, groan.” Ever felt that way? A woman in the YMCA locker room even commented on my loud sigh. I didn’t think it was that obvious.

I’m not sure what set me off. Maybe it was Mom going to the bathroom three times within 15 minutes. She would forget she went so would run and go again, making us late for wherever we were heading. That’s Alzheimer’s for you. Perhaps my granddaughter’s refusal to read any of the books we borrowed from the library added to my aggravation. The jaw pain I thought was finally improving returned with a vengeance, making eating difficult.

It’s easy to be discouraged, says the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5, verses 1-4. We aren’t in heaven yet, and sometimes “we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.” Things will be perfect there, but we haven’t arrived yet. So, we “groan and are burdened.” We don’t realize how much we long for our eternal home, until we find ourselves feeling downright grumpy.

In verses 5-10, the Lord reminds us of the Holy Spirit being “a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” If we walk in the Spirit, He will give us confidence that God has us right where He wants us for now. “We live by faith, not by sight.” One day we’ll see the greater purpose for our lives on earth. Here our faith gives us confidence to “make it our goal to please Him.” God knows all we face, and He will reward us for doing what is good and right, in spite of the occasional groaning.

Be Angry and Don’t Sin

It just isn’t as fun to undecorate Christmas as it was to decorate. We cut way back last year by eliminating the Christmas tree in favor of a wall garland where we put our most precious ornaments. But somehow the fewer bins filled up and in the attempt to stuff all the décor into them, I lost my cool. I told Steve I’d be back sometime and huffed out the door.

When I was a young mom, I grew angry easily and often. Struggling with it too long, I began meeting with Jeff, a biblical counselor. With his and the Lord’s help, I overcame that sinful tendency. One key was realizing that I was angry with God. That wouldn’t do. My heavenly Father was precious to me. It was subtle but imprinted by giving in to anger whenever things went wrong. Thankfully, learning where my anger sprang from helped me to make a 180-degree change. God gave me victory with that important insight, and I don’t struggle as I used to.

Finally appeased after a drive for some iced decaf followed by a time of prayer at the park across the street, I arrived home repentant and apologetic. We tackled the undecorating in record time and relaxed for the evening.

The next day I read this quote in my daily planner: “I am convinced that there are times in everybody’s experience when there is so much to be done that the only way to do it is to sit down and do nothing.” —Fanny Fern. Yes ma’am! Wish I had read that the day before. I’m still laughing, relieved to know the freedom of forgiveness.

Ready for the New Year?

Christmas planning and activities filled my calendar for most of December. Between parties, sending a letter instead of cards to family and friends, and shopping for gifts and food as well as preparing meals and treats, my FranklinCovey Planner was packed. The results were wonderful memories, lots of fun and photos, and sleep deprivation.

Now that we’ve returned gifts that didn’t fit and stuffed the freezer with leftover ham and cardamom bread, it’s time to prepare for New Year’s Day. Our son will spend a few days with us. Planning the menu should be easy. . . something with ham and cardamom bread for starters.

Another task awaiting me before January 1 is choosing our church’s memory verses for each month of the new year. I try not to repeat, so I’ll rely on my database of verses from the last five years and select ones not yet memorized. The Bible is chock full of so many wonderful verses worth memorizing, it isn’t difficult.

Most importantly, early in the new year, I usually spend a few hours alone connecting with the Lord. I begin with a spiritual check-up published by the C.S. Lewis Institute[1] that has helped me grow spiritually and prepare my heart for what may be ahead. Afterward, I review my “End in Mind” worksheet that helps me consider what I’d most like to Be, Do, Have, Help, Enjoy, and Leave before I die[2]. I write goals that may guide me in the first six months of the year. I plan to review the “End in Mind” worksheet and write new goals again in July.

However you spent Christmas, I pray you were blessed with wonderful memories. May the Lord guide you in 2025 as you seek to love and serve Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Happy New Year!

[1] “Discipleship of Heart and Mind Annual Spiritual Check-up” www.cslewisinstitute.org

[2] From “The New Eve”™ by Dr. Robert M. Lewis