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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

My Real True Love

photo: inbetweendays.me
This is the irony of age--that I have spent  a whole lifetime caring for and satisfying a body that slowly falls apart. 
And I can't do a thing about it.

Let's face it.
I love myself. More than I love anyone else and more than anyone loves me.
I am my own best friend.
But my affection is misplaced. I am also my own betrayer.

My hands hold tight to what does not last.
The man who loves his life will lose it...--John 12:25
My head trusts my own reason above all others.
For the wisdom of the world is foolishness in God's sight.--1Corinthians 3:19
My heart leads me to destruction.
The heart is deceitful above all things.--Jeremiah 17:9

So what do I do with this body, this life--or what is left of it?
How do I focus on what does not crumble to dust?
How do I live in blood and bone and skin, emotion and thought, but disdain its rule over me?

There is only one way I know--
I must live not to find satisfaction in indulgence, but joy in denial.
I cannot become like Christ and, at the same time, pamper my flesh. I have to go past it, through it.
This is life's purpose, its real journey.
If I can do this, then I will still die, but I will not die with my body. I will live with my Lord.

2 comments:

  1. Hi Mrs. P! Wow, this is for me. I really need to kick it in the 'taking care of myself' department.

    I think it takes a lot of wisdom and strength to deny yourself. The body keeps asking for treats, and we have to say no. Well, we are certainly free to say yes, that is so much easier. Argh. Like I said...I need to start being a better discipline-er of myself.

    Great post for me today :)
    Ceil

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    Replies
    1. Oh, Ceil...That's the trouble with freedom. Have it long enough and richly enough and we think it our natural state. It isn't. Not regarding our country, and not in our spiritual life. The problem is that privation of any kind is no fun. But it must be good for the soul. That's the trusting God part.

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