In a media-crazed world like ours, it is easy to get sucked into expectations for some “perfect” life. But it’s time to embrace real life and the one you’re actually living.

It’s freezing outside right now.  As in, it is literally FREEZING.  I’ve seen loads of posts of people’s temperatures sitting at 8F, while ours is around 19F, so cold, but not as cold as others.

However, we are in a travel trailer, and we ran out of propane. And we don’t have good insulation yet…so, inside we are sitting at 54F, for now.

It would be easy in such circumstances to choose to be annoyed and to allow my thoughts of trouble and trial to invade and control my mind. But what fruit would that bear?  But I am choosing to embrace the real and let go of the ideal so that I can truly have inner peace in this storm.

Want to join me?

Let Go of “Perfect” and Embrace Real

Taking control of thoughts is not the easiest thing to do if you have never done it before.  So many people walk around thinking that if only their circumstances were different they would be happier.

This is a lie, and not at all rooted in fact or proof.  There are millions of miserable, rich, and happy-life people out there, and millions of joyful people living in poverty.  Circumstances matter very little.

Another factor that I often hear is the idea of being “done, finished, tired, etc.”  This too is a mental state, rooted in the thoughts and inner-self life.  It’s when we keep tallying all the trials and troubles that we have had to face in our lifetime and hold them against God and His Sovereignty, demanding that He stop burdening us and let us have a break.

But, this too is a choice.  It is a choice to focus on all the bad and let it play like a horror scene across the movie theater of your mind.  You can choose to turn off the movie and put in a new one.
I’m reminded of the well-known “love” verse in 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8, but most specifically this portion:

it keeps no record of wrongs.” ~ 1 Corinthians 13: 5

How often do we keep a record against God of “perceived” wrongs?  We experience something we perceive as negative, and then turn to God with fists turned up.
But, this is real life.  Sometimes bad or uncomfortable things happen, and it does not necessarily mean that God is bringing harm.  Judgment is different, but the simple effects of our fallen world are another entirely.

We live in a fallen world, and it is this portion of our reality that we must learn to embrace.

Choosing to embrace “real life” means controlling our thoughts to focus on all the blessings and positive things we have and enjoy, and releasing with open hands to God all the negative and uncomfortable events that occur.

Embracing life means embracing all that God has for us, knowing that it is all established for our long-term, eternal good.

Have you ever noticed that we grow and mature more in the difficult times of life, but grow more in pride and stagnation when things are going well?  This is more to say that those who will grow will grow, but there are many who will refuse wisdom’s voice and choose instead to despise the opportunity God is giving.

Which one will you choose? Will you hold onto the “perfect” life imagined, or embrace real?

The “perfect life” is a fictitious story, and surely not one that we find through obeying God. If your life is less than “perfect,” remember that you are loved by an Almighty God. He knows how to use this opportunity to help you grow to be more like Him.

We only have our true flesh exposed in trials. These present us with a chance to truly be changed, and not simply be under a ruse that we’ve changed.  This is a kindness from God.

Do you embrace His kindness?

Slow down and consider where God is working to get your attention and bring you into a deeper relationship with Him.  Do you need to give thanks to Him for children, and their constant need for attention and care?  Do you need to act in service to your husband, turning away from selfishness and towards loving kindness?

What area is the Lord bringing to mind?

This is a great place to begin choosing to embrace and then seeking the Word for how to do it.  Most of us need to learn how to give thanks, for the majority of what is found in the world does not encourage such an action, especially to a Sovereign God.

Trials are inevitable.  Tragedies are a reality.

But, a thriving and grateful thought life, which turns anything terrible into something manageable, is a choice, one solely centered on you.

So, what will you choose?  What will you embrace?

Set your heart and mind on Him, and your life will be blessed beyond imagination.

Shalom.