The Innkeeper

In light of the Connecticut shootings, this video is especially poignant for the holidays.  The death of children by Herod was one of the hallmarks of the first Christmas.  But Christ has come to defeat all death.  Amen.

The Innkeeper from Desiring God on Vimeo.

"The Lord will guide you always, he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."
-Isaiah 58:11-12

Yesterday, I hit the end of myself.  In the midst of a family crisis, I have been trying to serve all of those around me and take care of people without prioritizing my own time with God each day.  And I realized yesterday that was boiling over into being totally drained and upset because I was running on fumes.  Only God will satisfy my needs in a sun-scorched land.  Only he can make me a spring whose waters do not fail or run dry.

 

People

I had to attend an Al-Anon meeting for a class. Al-Anon is for friends and family members of alcoholics. One of the attendees shared the following:

"People don't do things to you. People just do what they do."

This person was saying it in regard to the way his alcoholic family member kept hurting the family and his struggle not to take it personally.

If I could remember this for myself each time I offended by someone I could be a much more patient and loving person. When someone snaps at me on the subway or a friend or loved one has hurt me, these things are usually not personal. They have far less to do with me than they do the heart of the individual who is acting out. And my reaction can either feed their anxiety and continue a cycle of negative responses. Or I can choose not to take it personally, not to worry about my bruised ego and move on.

People don't do things to you. People just do what they do.

Reminder

"Everything is necessary that he sends. Nothing can be necessary that he withholds." - John Newton