Holley’s Challenge #17 – How Do You Guard Your Heart?
I tend to embarass myself when I speak by doing things like, oh, walking into the men’s room or breaking water jugs. Yes, ma’am.
So when I showed up to speak at a conference for the wives of worship leaders yesterday, I vowed I would change my crazy ways.
And I felt quite calm until realizing the other speaker was Jackie Kendall, the best-selling author of Lady in Waiting.
Then I began to quietly hyperventilate because I LOVE her. I did gather my wits long enough to take in her brilliant and hilarious talk. One insight she shared smacked me across the forehead like a wet noodle. Schloop!
Jackie said part of the Greek word for contentment means “to raise a wall against.” A Scripture that has been on my heart came instantly to mind…
“Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23
Contentment isn’t my strong suit. Not my strong suit, dress, skirt, shirt, or tie. I have high expectations. I whine. I’ve got a stack of “if only’s” a mile high.
I viewed contentment as a barrier…something that could block my dreams.
But suddenly I saw it as just the opposite…protection for my heart.
Contentment doesn’t mean faking it, being a doormat, or becoming passive. It doesn’t mean we don’t dream or grow.
Instead it simply means our hearts choose to be satisfied with what God gives us today. Then we partner with Him to move toward what He has for us tomorrow.
(By the way, I’m really glad the Apostle Paul said, “I have learned to be content in all things” because y’all, it’s going to take this girl some practice.)
So how does this relate to our stories?
“Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (aka the source of your story).”
Like the lock on a little-girl diary, contentment keeps safe what matters most.
p.s. I did not walk into the men’s restroom this time. But right smack in the middle of my talk, in front of Jackie and everybody, I did say I hoped Jesus would say “y’all” when we got to heaven. What?!? You can’t take me anywhere.
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TODAY’S QUESTION:
Am I the only one who struggles with contentment? What helps?
Holley:
I have been reading, reading, reading! You girls are so brilliant, beautiful, and funny too (a shout-out to my fellow “y’all” users)! Your words really spoke to my heart in ways I needed. I know I’ll be back to read them again when I have one of those days. Love y’all!Purpleclick:
Contentment comes with authenticity, honesty and realness with ourselves and with others. Lots of that happening here (on your blog, Holley).I think of the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”
I read (ahead) on this devotional site I frequent: The Word For Today by Bob Gass, and Feb 17th’s, titled “Seeing Yourself As God Sees You” speaks to my heart on this topic.
The verse is : “…we have this treasure in earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV) and one of the sentences that stood out is this: “Nothing about you surprises God.”
The Master Potter is at work!
(February 11, 2010 at 10.01PM)
