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A Morning View Near the Wood Stove

When I awoke this morning I looked outside and thought what a beautiful, warm, bright, sunshine filled day! Then I went outside! Looks were deceiving because it was unbelievably cold for May 9! Even knowing the forecast, I had a false sense of what it looked like outside compared to the reality of what was truth.
Have you ever looked at someone or perhaps another family and believe that they have it all together? They always present well, look happy, do all the right things, have a strong foundation in their God relationship and seem to be well adjusted. They are just perfect.
But, much like the way I was shocked by the way the weather looked and the way it is, we may be shocked when we get below the surface of the others we encounter. We often put on a good look for others when deep inside we are a mess. Friends, do not be surprised that others are in the same place you are. Our stories may be different, but our internal results are similar.
So what to do? First, it is imperative that when we look at the other we do not assume they are perfect and alright. We need to invest in one another in prayer and support. We must never assume how the other is, based upon an outward appearance. Check on them, love them and share support with them. We spend way too much time trying to salvage our lives alone.
Second it is critical to not deceive ourselves. When something is wrong, name it, own it, work on it and surrender it to God. Again it is critical to seek deeper relationship with God.
This blog is too short to fix all of our problems! I give pretty simple solutions by asking each of us to seek God first. So I also want you to understand that it is okay, normal and appropriate to seek help from others. There are people we can count on as mentors and helpers. But there is also professional help out there that is important as we seek help from God and others.
Let us be honest, we all can use some help as we walk with God!
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” - Matthew 6:33
Peace,
PB

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