Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion. I will wait for Him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him. It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:22-26
My New Year's resolution was to NOT have one. I was determined to NOT write a post about NEWness. I was NOT going to talk about fresh starts or resolutions. I was going to pray and then write whatever made the most sense.
But when I woke up this morning after hitting the snooze button 3 times, I heard a grouchy voice. It was my own.
This morning, I had two clear choices.
1. Spend some time in worship, cranking music that could set the right tone for my day.
-OR- 2. Make sarcastic comments all day.
Where does that come from? Some mornings, I just know. I hear the thoughts in my head before I have even spoken to anyone. The whole house is still quiet; everyone is sleeping. My thoughts are mean. My patience is short. My superiority complex is off the chart. My way or the highway. What about my plan? Did you hear me, Dan?
But this morning, in the middle of those judgmental, proud thoughts came another Voice. That Voice offered me a choice. "Spend time with Me. Or punish innocent bystanders all day."
I knew that I had greasy buildup, as my mom would call it. I needed a fresh start. But remember that I was determined not to write about freshness or newness in my January posts. But here I am, so thankful for a fresh start and an Israel Houghton CD full of songs that are full of Scripture.
But The Voice always offers me a choice. He is all about liberty and freedom. Sometimes freedom means people don't choose His best option. Sometimes I freely lose my patience with my family and friends before they even have their breakfast. My freedom splashes over on those close to me.
It was a close call this morning. I heard the choice. I answered the Voice. I love my liberty, and the mercy that accompanies it.
His compassion is new every morning. And every January.
Thanks for being so honest, Leigh Ann! So encouraging... thanks for reminding me of my choices. I have been so irritated lately at every little thing. I can hardly stand to hear myself go on & on... & on! It does make all the difference though when I go to that one Voice, and feast on His words before I begin the day. When I do make that choice everyone around me is so grateful! :)
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