I've often wondered what it would be like to be a different person-like be in someone else's body, be in their mind but at the same time have the wherewithal to know I'm literally living through them. If you've seen the movie, "Being John Malkovich", you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.
This week, I've had two people imply that they wouldn't mind switching places with me. What's so special about me? Nothing. It's my status as a single person that attracts some married women because they want to live a day in my shoes. They equate singleness with freedom. Ironically, it's the married person's life that attracts me because it equates someone caring about, treasuring and loving me. Wanting to be someone else or trading places is not innocuous as it sounds, but in fact is spiritually dangerous because it can spawn an ungrateful heart.
When I reflect on my single life in my 20s, I think of all of the times I dwelled on the desire to be married. I was so sensitive that I easily burst into tears when anyone mentioned marriage, children or if I observed couples at church holding hands. Oh how I just wanted to be married! I was so desperate that I'd probably sell my soul if I could---okay, that's a bit dramatic I know.
As I've become older, I've mellowed out when the subject of marriage comes up and I think one of the reasons is that I'm not afraid to be alone anymore. Also, I'm not afraid of not having children- it probably helps that I am in love with my nephews and nieces and they fill that void. Most of all, I've come to grips with the Lord's sovereignty in everything and the value of being satisfied in Him alone.
Since it is Lucille Ball's 100th birthday today, I am reminded of the episode where she and Ethel decide to get a job to prove to their husbands that keeping a job and providing for the family is a cinch. Fred and Ricky decide to stay home and become "househusbands" to prove to their wives that staying home is easier than keeping a job. Both the men and women fail in their switched roles because they weren't fit for the job. Even though the show is fictitious, it demonstrates that we (as people) are successful when we stick to what we were made to do. Also, God has us in the perfect place despite what we think or how we feel.
It is so easy to fall prey to becoming sour because the Lord has us in a place where we don't want to be or He has not given us what we think should be rightfully ours. I know for myself that I've become spoiled and my expectations exceed what I actually deserve before a holy God. Not only has He saved this sinner with his immeasurable grace but He has bestowed upon me with blessing after blessing-what right do I have to complain if I am stuck in traffic, don't have the perfect amount of money, have a bad day when things aren't going my way, when I have to work, when I don't have a job, etc.??! Since when was it acceptable to develop a sense of entitlement with the Lord and an attitude of "It's my way or the highway, Lord"??
Before this perfect, spotless, Lamb of God, King of Kings, Creator, Redeemer, Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Maker, I must cease being ungrateful. I must embrace thanksgiving and face the fact that without Him, I was on Death Row.
So, whether you're single or married, you must find satisfaction in Him alone otherwise, there is a temptation to play the harlot to your bitterness. The next time I consider switching places with my sister or desire something that is not of His will at the moment, I hope that I can remember that dissatisfaction in my heart is equivalent to ungratefulness which leads to complaining and to cater to those feelings is sin-"impure and simple".
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you-I Thessalonians 5:18
Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!-II Corinthians 9:15
And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses-Colossians 2:13
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen-Ephesians 3:20-21
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God-Psalm 42:1
5 comments:
Wow, Marian, I had a similar conversation with my mom tonight. Our discussion surrounded the idea that making marriage an idol of your life (and heart) will get you no where and can/will lead to some really terrible stuff (discussing a friend's radical desire for love). While I desire to be married, our discussion included the fact that I am not going to make that desire an idol of my heart and life. Great post... thanks for the verses and reminders. :)
MG
Good post! However, it wasn't just in your head that you thought: that's because you don't have to sit in rush-hour traffic!:) Love you.
Oh Sissy, it was in my head before I voiced it! I didn't mean to imply that it was only in my head though---sorry and thanks for the correction!
Post this to your Facebook as a link...good thoughts.
I pray for you and MG all the time, but God has a plan, and His plans may be different than mine...they usually are, but they're so much better, even though, often, it sure doesn't seem like it at the time.
LY.
M
I like how you say you want "someone to love and cherish you". My husband doesn't always love and cherish me nor I him, as MANY marriages are. I am not saying we are unhappy lol, but rather the fact of the matter is, it all takes work.
YES, I would LOVE to be single sometimes! Would love to have the freedom of being ALONE and not always having someone in my house that wants my attention at every given minute! But I also understand being single often times is lonely. It's almost the case of the "grass being greener on the other side". I'm with Amy, I would love to sit in the car alone. haha But Barbie I also understand how you feel and what your desires are. Sometimes what we wish for is not in Gods pain and that can be painful. Very painful. I do however pray that God would bring someone into your life to love. :)(and not another cat;)
Post a Comment