This is my favorite time of year!
Cool nights
Crisp mornings
Warm sunny days
Vibrant hues of orange, red, yellow, and pink
Apple picking
Mums
Mums
Pumpkins
Harvest time
Hay rides
Apple pies
Cozy comforters
It’s the
time of year we swap out shorts and tees for jeans and oversized sweatshirts.
I don’t know about you, but every year as I unpack winter clothes, I always come across that one item I know I will never wear,
but I hang on to it anyway.
You know what I’m talking about! That pair of jeans you tell yourself you will fit in again because this year you are confident will be the year you get
back into shape. Or it’s a shirt you like that isn’t really your style, but you hold
onto it because this year you declare you will be more bold.
Then there is that one item that always creeps into the back
of the closet. Perhaps you are familiar with this item? It is that faded and dingy
old pair of cranky pants. Please tell me I’m not the only one who has a pair?!?
Well, it just so happens I was wearing mine all weekend. I
really dislike these pants. You know, they really don’t fit and look very well,
but regardless I kept them on all weekend.
It was a beautiful fall weekend. It was my birthday weekend after all and I should have been sporting a new outfit, but instead I put on the same old worn out pair of cranky pants.
It was a beautiful fall weekend. It was my birthday weekend after all and I should have been sporting a new outfit, but instead I put on the same old worn out pair of cranky pants.
This morning I climbed back into the car after dropping my
youngest off at school, just in time to hear these words from Big Daddy Weave:
"I am redeemed, You set me free
So I’ll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe every stain, yeah, I’m not who I
used to be
Oh God, I’m not who I used to be
Jesus, I’m not who I used to be
‘Cause I am redeemed
Thank God, I am redeemed"
As I listened, I remembered how cranky I was this past weekend. I didn’t
even want to be with me and it wasn't a good feeling and so very hard to shake.
These words spoke directly to my heart. God poured life breathing
encouragement right into every part of my being.
No matter how cranky and tired I may get and no matter what trials or
hurdles I face, my worst day is a great day because I have and know Jesus!
I am not who I used to be. He has set me free and I am redeemed. I have
a new life, my chains are gone. The
stains of shame, regret and feelings of unworthiness have been wiped away.
I thank you Lord and I will praise You for just being who You are! You
are My Savior, My Redeemer, My All in All and You are not done with me yet!
I have taken off those cranky pants and next time they creep
to the front of my closet wanting to be worn again, hopefully they won’t fit! Instead, I will exchange those cranky pants for redemption pants and Praise God.
Have a blessed day!
