It's okay to draw a line.

Saturday concluded my two oldest sons' first season on our neighborhood swim team.  We have had so much fun on this new adventure, but let me just say we are tired!!  Not that I didn't see this coming.  When you sign up for an activity that requires 4 practices a week on top of everything else you have going on you know you're going to be tired.  And so out came the lines....

"The lines" are little safeguards I put in place, promises I make to myself to keep my priorities on track and my joy intact.  For example, I don't buy dyed bridesmaid shoes.  I will lovingly stand beside any sister or friend in their wedding.  I will have my hair done.  I will buy the dress.  But I will not pay $60 for uncomfortable dyed shoes.  I'd rather be in a good mood on your wedding day. 

I also don't buy baseball pants for t-ball games at the YMCA.  When everyone on the team can make it through a season without crying (my kids included) we'll talk.  Until then, no.  I draw the line.

Some of my other lines include homemade baked goods (baking stresses me out), birthday presents that cost more than $20 (everyone has too much crap anyway), monogrammed sports shirts and buttons with my kids' faces on it (again with the crying....).  It's not because I see anything wrong with this stuff, but life is short and, frankly, it's okay not to do everything.  It's okay to draw a line, to say no thank you.  It's okay to want to enjoy something without all the optional extra's getting in the way.  And it's okay if your lines aren't the same as someone else's. 

I read something recently about joy, the kind of pure, unfailing joy that comes from a life with Christ, that does not depend on our circumstances, but on our assurance in Him.  Oh, how precious that joy is, how absolutely necessary it is to preserve it.  There are so many things that cross our path, fill our days, rob our thoughts.  But steal my joy?  That's where I draw the line. 

Of course, some lines move......  :)

 XOXO....Kelly

Speak Life.

Like most kids, mine like to put their toes on the line every once in a while.  You know, see what they can get away with before Kevin and I shut it down.  For a good month it was burping and farting at the table.  We started making them pay a fine every time they did it.  Then it was trying to order Coke when we went out to eat.  They didn't get very far with that one.  And now it's the word "butt".  I know, you should pick your battles with kids, but I can't stand hearing little kids say the word "butt".  It sounds so crude.  And, no, I don't care that there are worse words they could be saying.  We don't let them get away with smacking each other on the face just because it's better than stabbing each other.  So, anyway, no butts. 

You should see their faces when one of them lets it slip out.  They give me this sort of side look with raised eyebrows like they're daring me to get on to them.  Which I do, of course.  With soap.

But it can be hard to explain language choices to kids.  Is the word offensive or is it just annoying?  How come some jokes are okay sometimes but not others?  How can it be that bad if everyone else is saying it?  Oh, the devil is indeed in the details. 

There's a Toby Mac song called "Speak Life", and when "because I said so" or "would you say that in front of Jesus?" doesn't work that's really the best way to sum it up.

Our words can be so powerful.  Imagine if we used that power for good, to bring light and life to others.  It's not really about whether something qualifies as a curse word or not.  And, holy cow, it is NOT about freedom of speech.  We always have a choice.  Why make a bad one just because you can?  No, it's about whether we are honoring God with what comes out of our mouths. 

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.  Show me the words that bring healing, that bring comfort, that bring life to your people.  And when I am tempted to head another way, kindly put some soap in my mouth......  Amen.

XOXO....Kelly

The Man on the Street

My husband, Kevin, is one of those people that could talk to a fencepost.  It's one of my favorite things about him, his instant ease with people.  When we first started dating I was in awe that he could hang out with my family and not need me constantly at his side.  So when the homeless man on the corner called out to him as he walked by, of course Kevin stopped to talk to him.  After a few seconds of conversation the man asked Kevin if he was a Christian.  "Yes," he said. 

"I could tell," said the man.  "I can tell by the way you're treating me.  I've been sitting here all day and you are the first person that's bothered to make eye contact and talk with me."

St. Francis of Assisi said to preach the gospel at all times and use words only when necessary.  I watched over 80 middle school students be Confirmed at our church yesterday morning.  I think of all the things they've been learning over the last several months, the Bible verses they've memorized.  Will it show?  When they go to school this morning or step out into the sun this summer, will it show?

What about my own life?  Does it show?  I am living the will of God so rightly that I needn't even use words to explain it?  Maybe some days, but probably not most days.  If it had been me passing that man on the street I might have smiled.  I might have said hello.  I know I wouldn't have stopped to talk.  And all of the goodness God could have shown that man through me would have stopped right there. 

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God....For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved.  Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."  1 Cor 10:31,33, 11:1. 

Not a word today, God.  Help me not to use a single world.

XOXO.....Kelly