Okay, Katy's back today with a new "Life is Like" column. It's the kind of message that makes one look back upon the hurts in life and wonder, "If it's healing, why do I feel this way?" It's very thought provoking.
Myself, well, that's another story. And I am working on it, and many others. I have spent too much time being introspective and not enough looking forward. It's a work in progress...my life, and my writing. Oh, and don't forget the recipes! Mmmmmm,,,
LIFE IS LIKE A SCAB
Everyone has had some kind of scab at least once in their life.
Perhaps it was falling off their bike, getting scratched by their loving cat, you get the picture.
Maybe you put a bandage over it and possibly some antibacterial ointment to help it heal. Or took your chances and let it heal by itself.
Sometimes scabs happen with an ingrown hair or splinter that is so small that you didn’t even realize it was there. It festers and you just don’t understand why.
In those, and other cases, it doesn’t go away. Sometimes you do have to take the scab off to find out what is causing it. What really lies beneath causing the ugliness?
What is it in your life that you need to rip off the scab to get to the bottom so you can heal? It’s different from person to person, although I’m sure that many have more scabs in common with others than they would have ever guessed.
Mine are many. Here are just a few: mental illness, drinking, addictions, selfishness, resentment, unforgiveness…I guess that was more than just a few. Did you see any of those in yourself? Please don’t tell me I’m the only one in the world holding onto at least one of those!
As I am writing this many of those still have the scab on them. Still waiting to be uncovered so the root of the problem can be dealt with. Waiting for me to rip it off, easier said than done. Maybe I’m not ready to deal with what lies underneath. Or maybe I just don’t want to.
God has spoken to me by a feeling I have deep inside, He tells me to trust in Him. Release my fears, anger and whatever else is holding me back from totally trusting in Him. Release my “control” and let Him be in the driver’s seat (and not be the backseat driver).
My husband would be more than happy to tell you that even if I’m sitting beside him as he drives, I’m still a backseat driver.
I probably should have added control issues to the above list, but you have already figured that out by now.
I should take my own advice and take some time to really really look deep down and think and pray about why I don’t rip that scab off. But then there is life. We get so caught up in day to day that some things get put on the back burner of life. Is this the case for you?
Here again, it’s easier said than done taking the time to do it, but they don’t have to be done all at one time. Nor do they have to be done in a certain amount of time. Maybe you have given up, you’ve tried before and there isn’t only a scab but also scars underneath.
Think of it as a process. Work on one scar at a time. Take your time, there are no time limits. Listen to what God has put in your heart. That still strong ‘voice’. He’ll help you through it.
Once the scab is gone take the time to put that “antibiotic” and “bandage” on it. You’ll be raw, mentally and perhaps physically as well. Take the time to let it heal properly before trying to go onto the next one.
Listen to your heart. Don’t forget, He’ll be there to hold your hand, and carry you when you can’t walk.
Katy Manning Schutte
Ripping off the scab is surely "the step that separates the men from the boys". The first line of Step 6 of the AA Twelve and Twelve. A book I treasure along with the AA Big Book and the Holy Bible; my guide for living.
ReplyDeleteIt goes on to say, that any person capable of enough willingness and honesty to try repeatedly to remove his defects of character has indeed come a long way spiritually.
"...since most of us are born with an abundance of natural desires, it isn't strange that we often let these far exceed their intended purpose. When they drive us blindly, or we willfully demand that they supply us with more satisfactions or pleasure than are possible or due us, that is the point at which we depart from the degree of perfection that God wishes for us here on earth. That is the measure of our character defects, or, if you wish, of our sins."
Romans 6:12-14 (NLT) says, Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to its lustful desires. Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you in sin. Instead you are free by God's grace.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. AMEN!