Sometimes I'm bothered by my inability to attain perfection on a seemingly simple task: drink 64 ounces of water. And I say to myself
"Self, if you can't do this one simple thing, what kind of discipline can you maintain? I mean, really!"
But other days I'm much kinder to myself:
"Self," I say, "You did a pretty good job today. You drank 54 ounces of honest to goodness water and if you throw in the fruit and, yes, even the cup of caffeinated coffee...you likely almost broke 60 ounces. Still pretty good."
Sometimes I feel that I have only so much energy to devote to the disciplines in my life. So, if on any given day--like this past Monday for example--I've done 9 loads of laundry {including folding and putting clothes on respective children's beds} and I've read my Scriptures that day and I've made a home cooked meal...the discipline bank has been all used up and the exercise or veggies or water or whatever I've fallen short on that day will just have to wait. And that's O.K.
Just today I've embraced another discipline: to take the time I usually spent on facebook and devote it to Bible study and prayer instead. I've decided that this discipline will take priority over all others for the next 40 or so days...but I have a sneaking suspicion that other disciplines will fall into place more readily and with less effort as a result. That's usually what happens when my priorities are more properly aligned.
I think you hit it right on... it is all in how we choose to look at our day to determine if it was a success or not! We really do need to be kinder. I love that you are putting Bible study first. This is my goal too... it's funny how hard it is to do though :) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThe blessings and inspiration you will receive, from making scripture study and prayer a priority, will surely help to make all other aspects of your life fall in to place. While you drink of this sacred water try drinking a glass of earthly water too at the beginning and end of your study and prayer.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, you are awesome!
ReplyDelete"But whosover drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteWe must be on the same wavelength. Too often I get caught up doing mindless "other" things and cut short or neglect all together my scripture study time. Lately I have been trying to make it more of a priority. I am so much happier when I do. You have inspired me to try to be even better so thank you!
I've been doing alot of reading lately. Unfortunately it hasn't been the scriptures. I often think to myself on the way to bed that if I'd spend as much time reading the good book as I do on the silly other books I put my time into I'd be a whole lot better off.
ReplyDeleteGood job on the 54 ounces. That's still about forty more than I'm getting on a daily basis. :>/