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If God is demanding and disapproving and disappointing, it makes good sense to keep your distance. If He is an ocean of everything you’re thirsty for, it doesn’t.
“[God] whose infinite being is . . . [a] never-ceasing, . . . overflowing ocean of . . . delight, blessing, goodness, patience, and mercy. . . .” William Law
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me. . . .” John 7:37
When you photograph someone, you try to find and feature the best in her. What if you tried to do that every time you talked to (and about) her?
"[S]tooping very low, He engraves with care/His Name, indelible, upon our dust. . . .” Patricia St. John
“God created mankind in His own image and likeness. . . .” Genesis 1:27
If somebody is naturally down or irritable or gruff, a few kind and encouraging words from him probably please God more than a week’s-worth of kindnesses from a person who sails through life. He knows very well that some of us have hard cars to drive.
“[I]f you are . . . poisoned by [your] upbringing . . . [or] nagged day in and day out by an inferiority complex that makes you snap at your best friends -- do not despair. . . . [God] knows what a wretched machine you are trying to drive.” C. S. Lewis
“God knows your hearts.’” Luke 16:15
If you grow in wealth or influence or recognition today, you probably won’t be happier by nightfall. If you grow in wonder, you will.
“[L]ive each day . . . , like children, in wonderment as the sun rises and in thanksgiving as it sets. . . . The beauty of man is in this fidelity to the wonder of each day.” Jean Vanier
Father, help me to live today with my eyes wide open, seeing Your gifts and saying thank you. From Psalm 119:18
When somebody is locked into being controlling or fearful or selfish, it’s easy to criticize until you remember that you have your own prisons.
“Remember those in prison as if you were there yourself.” Hebrews 3:13
Father, please give me compassionate eyes today.
When you envy somebody, his good makes you sad (and sometimes mad). When you stop envying him, his good makes you glad. Sometimes you don’t realize how sick you were until you get well.
“When at any time you find in your heart motions of envy towards any person, . . . expel the venom of that poisonous passion.” William Law
“Rid yourself of . . . envy. . . .” 1 Peter 2:1
