"Is it 'possible' to stop reading self-help/improvement books and just be me?!"
Earlier this week I wrote the above question in my a thought a day five year journal. This morning I checked my Kindle and discovered I have downloaded at least a hundred books (all free, thank you very much!) that want to help me live better, longer, more like Jesus, healthier, and happier; that plan to give me the keys to being a more vibrant and more productive wife, mother, Christian, friend, and citizen ... in just a week or two, or 5 easy steps, or eat this not that, or dream/pray it and believe/receive it.
Well, blow me down!
In my life, it's not others who are blowing me down; I blow myself down by constantly asking, "What's the matter with me? Why can't I ...? Why is it so hard to ...?
The bottom line is, this is who I am! As Popeye sang so poignantly, "I yam what's I yam and that's all what's I yam...."
God made me to be ME. There are things I do well and love to do; there are things I can't do very well or don't want to do; there are things I simply can't do.
I'm all for being the best me I can be. But all my plans and mindsets and determination aren't going to make a whole lot of difference, especially if every book I read shows me another new plan. As I've been telling myself for the past year: Lighten up!! How about I just live each day to the best of my ability and let it go at that?
Since God made me, I need to trust in his capable hands. Does he want to change something in my life, set my feet in a different direction, surprise me with something new? Well, okay then! I'm open! My part is to stay in touch with him.
Listen to this from The Message Bible, in Matthew, chapter 11, verses 29 & 30: "Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Ahhh. Lighten up! Yes!!
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