Skip to main content

Learning the Secret

Sitting in my kitchen/conservatory eating my porridge this morning, I looked around and what did I see?

 

Dog hairs on the sofa, chipped paint on the walls, long cobwebs hanging off the light, a messy garden through the dirty windows, mud splatters on the walls where wet dogs have shaken themselves dry, and the list goes on.

I found myself thinking of the 15 women who'd been in my kitchen last Saturday, realising that they must have noticed all this dirt and mess too. Within 3 minutes (by the end of my porridge!) I was grumbling, worrying what people thought of me and feeling discontent

THEN I remembered my preach from a short two weeks ago which (surprise surprise) was all about discontent and grumbling....and about changing perspective, giving thanks and "learning the secret of being content".


THEN I remembered:

- the evening this week when a friend and I had our hair done in this same space - and we laughed and chatted and shared the real things that are going in I our lives ; and the three of us were encouraged by stories of answered prayer during this month of prayer and use of the prayer room.

- the birthday cards on the dresser, for our now adult son, and his birthday banner and pictures displayed in this space, of him as a toddler and young boy.

- the family meals we've shared this week (both the decent and the rubbish ones!)

- the teenagers making cupcakes and covering the entire space in icing sugar

- the sleeping dogs lying in their beds following a lovely long rainy run in the woods

- the spring bulbs that I planted, that I can see growing through the (still dirty) windows

 

And my perspective changed

And instead of grumbling, I gave thanks

And those ladies that filled my kitchen last Saturday?

New friends and old friends. All women helping other women in their churches to find friendship, belonging, faith and hope in God. The place was filled with laughter, chatter and understanding.

This was part of a lovely encouraging email I received afterwards from a lovely lady who perhaps also noticed all the flaws in my kitchen, but chose instead to remember the good:

"The room seemed to be buzzing with the fun, energy and passion, all flowing out of these dynamic, exuberant women who want to serve Jesus to the best of their ability. It is so reassuring and encouraging to share our stories and experiences of trying to sense the Spirit and lead….discovering that we are not alone and that others have had many of the same hiccups, bumps….oh and…..joys along the way…..the sheer relief of sharing with those who reallyunderstand the tensions of planning, organisation, mobilising the volunteer servers…….and…….those wild, over-the-top creative ideas that almost killed us to deliver…..and the lessons learned!!!!! What a privilege to meet these great women and have the opportunity to exchange ideas and share stories."

I am learning the secret of being content, and it's an ongoing process. I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit's promoting this morning to change my perspective, as I don't want my life to grow the "bitter root" from grumbling.

I'm going to take some time this week to listen again to my preach - I know I need it! Here's a link if you do too.

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

Joy is always a function of gratitude – and gratitude is always a function of perspective. If we are going to change our lives, what we’re going to have to change is the way we see.” Ann Voskamp


Popular posts from this blog

Guest Blog: Esther in Indonesia

I'm delighted to welcome Esther Ross-Watson to my Blog today! She is a dearly loved member of our Kerith family. She and her late husband Michael served as missionaries for many years. Esther bravely made the decision to travel again, and she has recently returned from Indonesia. Here's her story:  Whilst Michael was on his last days on earth in August 2017 he received a request from the Island of Madura, Indonesia asking us to return to the town of Pamekasen, Madura, Indonesia where we had begun our Missions work in July 1973 exactly one year after we were married. They were keen to have us see what God had been doing in the years since we’d moved on and we excitedly said ‘Yes’ we will come!   Obviously that had to go on hold for a while because I didn’t feel I could, or even wanted to go alone! Anyway around March/April time 2018, I begun to feel a gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit urging me to think some more about it! It was like a feeling of wanting to know

Our Living Hope

Not sure what happens with my blog...or me writing my blog! Can't believe I've been away from it for almost two months. Oh well, no condemnation! Let's pick it up and start again :) Yesterday was a great day in Church! I was so challenged and encouraged - I love Sundays and all the different ways God shows His love and who he is to us. Natalie Jones preached at both our morning meetings in Bracknell , she gave such a good message on generosity, be sure to catch it when the podcast comes on our website, but for now, watch a  summary of Natalie's preach At the 6pm meeting, we had Paul Manwaring sharing about culture : the 4 Gamechangers - again, a really challenging message to check out if you didn't get to hear it live. I wore my HOPE earrings yesterday - sometimes I deliberately  choose to wear them as a practical symbol that I am choosing HOPE - that I choose Jesus, I choose trust, I choose hope. I'm so glad I did, as throughout the day I felt God speak

Paula's Encouragement

I love a podcast! Podcasts get me through situations where time might drag, or perhaps I've got some time to myself - I'm think a bike work-out at the Gym; a long car journey; or food for my mind and soul whilst I'm cooking. I've just got back from holiday, and having missed a couple of Sundays, I have caught up with Kerith podcasts, listening to three outstanding preaches from Ben Pocock and Ben Oliver in Bracknell; and Heather Pocock in Sandhurst - I found myself wanting to join in with a few loud "amens" this morning at the gym! What about you? Let me know when and where do you listen to podcasts? Our guest contributor today is the wonderful Paula Ridgway - with her large heart , great enthusiasm and infectious faith, she is such a huge blessing to many at Kerith.  Paula and her good friend Val (another absolute Kerith legend!) They are dressed up in honour of the Royal Wedding in May! Over to Paula for her encouragement to simply gather a few