Great advice … (thanks, Em!)

I received two emails this weekend from a dear friend and her advice was so timely and loving and gracious that I thought I’d share it with you too …

(She wrote a lot more than this, but as I am in the midst of a zillion loads of laundry & cleaning & praying as I try to figure out Soph’s education stuff morning, these are the two thoughts that I keep coming back to over and over again.)

My friend Emily reminded me that:

– “Christ died for the specific sins being done against me.” (He did. He really did. Who am I to exact payment or revenge beyond THAT? “Do not take revenge,” God says. It will all be made right. One Day. But today? Worship ME. Die to self. Seek Me first. Yes, seek justice–the good. But …)

– “Don’t make an idol out of A Perfect Relationship Track Record.” (Yes! Yes! Seek peace and pursue it. Promote unity as though your life depended on it. BUT … remember that we have neither the power nor the authority to FIX THINGS. All we can do is our best. We can’t change the other person. We can’t fix the situation. We can simply live a life of love–just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.)

Oh, dear Emily. Thank you.

Thank you for your counsel and your grace.
 I know that both have come through the refining fire of much suffering.
I’m sorry for your pain–but I’m grateful that you have comforted me in the way you have been comforted.

OK–back to work. Prayerful work, even. (NOT “escapist / controlling / drug myself with organizing SIN”–praise the Lord.)

Yours,
Tara B.