A nice, big office! New desk and chair. I don't have to share this space with anyone else. Sounds like a tremendous improvement over sharing offices with everyone from the cookware salesman to parent volunteers. I got what I asked for, I think.
Umm, maybe not.
See, my new office isn't located at either of the two schools that I serve. Last year two other facilitators moved to off-campus offices, and I thought it would be way cool to do that. I've only been back at work four days, and have quickly discovered that this change may not be so cool at all.
Actually, I'm thinking my job is going to be more difficult because I won't have a work space at my schools.
Guess I got what I wanted. Didn't I?
Why do I keep doing this? I see what someone else has, and I want what they have. Or, I think that I know exactly what I need. Sometimes, I even tell God what will work for me.
But I want to be content with what He has already provided. I want to trust Him to meet my needs and wants and dreams according to His amazing love and grace.
For your Father knows what you need before you ask him (Matthew 6: 8b).
Don't you love this verse? Our great God knows everything about us. He knows our heart. Where we hurt. Why we hurt. He knows how to heal our pain.
He knows what we need before we ever tell Him. And He has the power to meet both our needs and wants. He is prepared to take care of us from the big things down to the smallest detail.
And this office situation? Well, I got what I thought I wanted.
But everything will work out all right.
My Father knows me better than I know me.
Now, that is way cool!
P.S. I've got a wonderful book to give away. It's Peace for the Journey by Elaine Olsen! I'll be sharing some insights from her book a little later this week. All you have to do to win is to leave a comment or shoot me an E-mail.
oh, Deb - you just nailed it with this post. How many times have I wanted something SO bad but didn't pause to make sure it was God's plan?
ReplyDeletePraying that it all works out for you!
I already have Elaine's book - isn't it awesome??
Great post, Deb. Ah, contentedness...the pursuit of it is challenging...because when we pursue it, I guess that means we're not really content. ;) I'm so glad Paul said in Philippians that he's learned the secret to it...I'm glad somebody has!
ReplyDeleteI want to be in the chance to win the book. I am sorry that you got a new office. I was not at school today...I fell yesterday and had to be taken by EMT to the hospital...needless to say....church was cancelled....and I came home with a severely twisted knee and ankle. I am going to shoot for tomorrow. Wish Me luck.
ReplyDeleteI'm always quite relieved (after the fact) to know that He gets final say. I can't trick Him into doing something that isn't what He already wants to do.
ReplyDeleteSo this new office? I vote He wants it for you. And despite the inconvenience, one of these days before long you'll know exactly why.
Blessings to you on your back-to-school, Deb. The teacher in my house is headed that way shortly too.
Deb,
ReplyDeleteI've been super careful to keep my prayers very specific. We've had just the same situation come across our family two years ago and now we understand God will provide for you according to your needs and His will, so be careful what you ask for.
Here's hoping He has something in mind you haven't seen yet.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
How do you always know what I need to hear, Deb? I've really been struggling with contentedness over the last couple of days, which is so insane because I have everything that I need. I don't want to get into the mindset of, "But God WANTS me to be happy. And I know what I need to be happy." As always, thank you for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI always so enjoy your posts. Somehow they are always exactly what I need to hear (read) when I need to hear it.
ReplyDeleteI keep telling myself, "He knows what I need better than I do." I've already had to remind myself of that, one day into this school year.
ReplyDeleteThe pursuit of contentment...!
Deb, I know the Lord will work things out. Hope you get settled and accustomed to the new place.
ReplyDeleteyour attitude is so positive...and this post hits home..
ReplyDeleteYes you are right again, dear Deb. Things do not always turn out the way we think they should, but there is Someone who knows exactly how to turn things around.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post...and the hopeful tone of your words.
Love
Lidj
Dear Deb...
ReplyDeleteI understand this one... getting what we "think" we want, only to realize that maybe our inclinations were off from God's. Still and yet, He works it through with us and will shape things in his favor as we are faithful to yield to his hands.
Here's praying I do a better job of that this week.
love you`elaine
Deb, thanks for your sweet comment and prayer on my empty nest post! Bless you!!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I get what I thought I wanted and then realize that it wasn't what I needed. I know the Lord has a sense of humor. I crawl back to Him on hands and knees, humbled by my own strength and wisdom. :)
ReplyDeleteOften, I get what I do not want and later realize it was exactly what I needed. I glorify God for His mercy on me!
Thanks for sharing, Deb. "All things work together," even what we think are mistakes. God is in all! And, I needed to hear this message today as I muddle through some small, material decisions.
Love you, friend,
Andrea
You know, I do this sometimes, but I think I am getting better. A wise woman once told me "don't tell God to give you what you want; just tell him what's in your heart and he will give you what you need". Every time I start saying "God, I want this..." I remember those words. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! I can't tell you how many times I've wished and prayed for something only to get it and realize that it wasn't what it was cracked up to be.
ReplyDelete