Our bathroom light switch quit working. Debbie reminded me a few times. “I’ll take care of it,” I assured her. But I kept procrastinating.
I’m not mechanical. I dreaded the task because I feared a disappointing outcome. Gary Larson must have had people like me in mind when he created the Far Side comic that shows a teacher pointing to a drawing of a screwdriver delineating the handle.
A shift in focus brought the change I needed to get moving. I decided to tackle the project because it was the loving thing to do—not just the right thing. When loving Debbie became my focus, my self-critical spirit faded. Love is a more powerful motivator than feeling responsible.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “For Christ’s love compels us” (2 Cor. 5:14 NIV). What have you wanted to do but resisted because you feared a less than ideal outcome? Focus on showing love to the Lord and those in your life instead of on your limitations and see what happens.
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What have you wanted to do but resisted because you feared a less than ideal outcome? Here's help to overcome your resistance. #love Click To TweetA Special Opportunity
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Merry Christmas,
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Loved this post Mr. Larry. You might say; it was a “shocking experience.” First, I’m glad you got that light switch replaced; it’s never good to be in the dark. Second, and perhaps most important, is the wonderful lesson you shared for every Christian writer, which I like to refer to as being a “Light Writer.” Just as the motivation to replace the light switch was your love for your dear wife (with an added bonus of no more need to remind us that it needs to be done); we “Light Writers” need to remind ourselves that the motivation for us to sit and write, draw, create, etc. is the same. We should want to do it because of love; both God’s love within us for others and our love towards Him for all the blessings in our lives. What a great analogy my friend. Thank you for such a poignant lesson. Prayers that Lighthouse gets the maximum possible match in your fundraising efforts. God’s blessings folks; and Merry CHRISTmas.
Enjoyed your puns, J.D.! Thank you, and merry Christmas to you too!
Motivating ourselves and others with love really is the best motivation. It seems simple, but so easy to forget.
Isn’t it? Thanks Theresa.
Love is definitely the most compelling reason to do anything. Beautiful reminder especially at this time of year.
Thank you, Ann.
“Focus on showing love to the Lord and those in your life instead of on your limitations and see what happens,” is so true. When we take our eyes off ourselves we can see the needs of others and it helps us get out of the pity parties.
Amen! Thanks, Barbara.
A shift in focus can make all the difference. Thank you for the reminder to focus on the Lord and not on my limitations. I’m ashamedly good at focusing on the latter. 😉
Though we can’t give at this time, I prayed God raises the money up for Lighthouse. Have a merry Christmas!
You’re so sweet. Thank you, Jeanne!