I Don’t Anymore

This is what I consider a ‘feel good Friday’ post. Reflecting on how I have ‘evolved’ over the years. There are somethings I just don’t do anymore. Understanding seasons and being comfortable in your skin at each juncture in life is an integral part of being at peace. Somethings needed to go and somethings we just outgrow. We need to be okay with that.

This was my go to pose in the 80’s and 90’s – leaning on trees. Posing on bathroom counters at work (in a mini-skirt😁) – I definitely don’t do anymore.

Those short skirts – I don’t do anymore[don’t judge😂🤣]. I loved jumping on cars to take pictures [ and I don’t do bra-less outside anymore😅].

I’ve ‘come a long way baby’ and so grateful for those who loved me while I grew and matured. It is so important for us to be patient with ourselves and others. Extend a hand of grace and mercy as we allow for the bumps along the way. More than all, I am so glad that God ‘waited’ on me and for me. He gently did the stripping away. The molding and the re-shaping. He corrected and placed me in some difficult classes. The lessons were tough at times. Sometimes I wanted to jump off the ‘potter’s wheel’. The launderer’s soap and the refiner’s fire did some amazing cleaning up. Each day I get closer to that better version of me.

Beyond those externals of clothing and poses, the heart change is what I appreciate the most. More compassionate and merciful. Understanding that I don’t know enough to make a judgement call on everyone’s life. Adjusting my expectations as I realize that you can’t give me what you don’t have. Being more willing to listen. Coming to the realization that I don’t always have to be ‘right’. Sometimes I have to choose between being ‘right’ or being happy and at peace. I have practiced choosing the latter.

Owning my missteps and my limitations. Being quick to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Accepting that some people may never apologize. Practicing the art of agreeing to disagree. Stop trying to manipulate or control the outcomes of life’s stories. Learning the beauty and peace there is in letting go. Knowing not to put a question mark where God has put a period. Celebrating my small wins in life.

Have you noticed the changed you? How are you liking that ‘man in the mirror’? Better than you were last year? Is that a life’s goal? When was the last time you took a moment to be thankful for those changes? To be thankful that you ‘don’t anymore’.

May I add that many things that changed in my life came from my relationship with Christ. Me allowing Him the space to do what I couldn’t do myself. It is also true that there are some things that God won’t do. He has given us all we need to do the work in some areas – where we are limited He certainly gives divine enablement. The questions then becomes : ‘Do we want the change bad enough?’

It is a continuous journey of change. We never truly arrive. This scripture, however, provides comfort:

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish … [Philippians 1:6 MSG]

***Thanks for reading. Celebrate the changed you.