Tuesday, May 11, 2010

No Pretensions Releases My Best


“A sentence from Psalm 101 has been both challenging and convicting for me: 'I will walk in my house with blameless heart' (Psalm 101-2, NIV). When God speaks to me about being more loving, this verse reminds me to make application in my family first—and then to others. It forces me to ask, 'Am I more spiritual, more loving, or more fun somewhere else? Who gets my best—my family or others?”

by Jean Fleming
A Mother’s Heart: A Look at Values, Vision, and Character for the Christian Mother


Who gets my best--my family or others?

Hmmm. . .tough call. I blow up more at my family. I throw hissy fits and cry in my bathroom. I expect, nag and criticize more freely. I don't hide scowls or growls. My temper rears its ugly head.

But, I give my family more than I give others too. Apologies leave my lips. Only my family robs my sleep. I let my guard down. I perform disgusting tasks for their benefit. They see my silly. I spend way more time with them and sacrifice to a greater extent.

I may be more pleasant somewhere else at times. I may use spiritual language to a greater degree in my conversations with adults. I may have a longer fuse and better attention span outside my house. But if I am REAL no matter where I am, if my personality does not change when I leave my home, I can walk with a blameless heart. I make it my mission to be myself in any situation. (Of course, this means you may get to see my ugly from time to time too. Lucky you!) If I set up no pretensions, either inside or outside my home, if I stay consistently connected to Almighty God, I am giving my best to everyone I encounter.

Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart

Psalm 15:1-2




Join our host, Loni, at Writing Canvas for more thoughts on today's quote.



Photo Credit: PKMousie

6 comments:

janet said...

I think if we are staying connected to God, it's easier to walk with a blameless heart whether it's outside or inside the home.

And have you noticed how hissy fits seem to motivate the children? ;) *ahem* At least in my house that seems to be the case.

Karen said...

"We need to be real wherever we are" good statement. We need to see to it that real is walking upright no matter where we are. That was good, thanks.

Loni said...

Thanks so much for sharing this week . . . I throw hissy fits at times too . . . .uggg! Imagine if we did that in the lobby of church - NOT! Glad you joined today . . . . I am so thankful He's not finished with me yet!

Nic said...

I really enjoyed your take on the quote this week. What you said is so true. I am the same at home and out of home, but I do give my family "more" of the real me, the vulnerable me b/c I trust them and love them. They get to see parts of me that people outside the home and outside my "circle of trust" don't get to see.

Claudia said...

Tami, your statement, "If I set up no pretensions, either inside or outside my home, if I stay consistently connected to Almighty God, I am giving my best to everyone I encounter," really says it all.

Thanks again for your insight and Godly perspective.

CindyW said...

"I perform disgusting tasks for their benefit."
I laughed out loud! Oh, the things I have done! LOL!
Yes, to be real everywhere. That is my goal and walk. It's a challenge some days.

Wonderful writing and guidance. I'm tucking this in to remember and revisit later.

Oh and I'm still chuckling just a bit.