Just Like Me

When I started this blog, I didn't set out to make it all about God, and I certainly didn't intend to include a song in each post... Having said that, and now that I stop and think about it, I don't suppose I can omit my Creator from my very personal blog site, any more than I would choose to omit Him from my person!

Now that I got that off my chest.....

I've had a song running through my mind this past week. We used to play it in our band in the early 80's, and to be honest, I can't remember who the original (female) artist was. I do, however, remember the title and the words : "Just Like Me"

Some of the words went like this:

"Have you ever been lied to? Have you ever been cheated on?

Have you ever been wrong, so wrong... wishing you were gone?

Have you ever cried all night long, thinking something 'bout you is wrong?

Have you ever reached out for a little love, but you couldn't hold on?

Well you're just like me... (chorus)

Have you ever been walked on? Have you ever been talked down to?

Have you ever asked yourself why they do what they do to you?

Have you ever been turned on, just to be turned down?

Have you ever been pushed so hard, you just can't turn around?

Well, you're just like me....."

You get the idea.

We seem to have an epidemic these days of what I call the "walking wounded".

"I HAVE THE RIGHT!..." "I burned my tongue on your hot coffee... My coffee is too cold, give me another one... He makes more money than me... They changed the menu... She hit me... He ignored me... Can you believe he did that?.. Can you believe she had the nerve to say that?.. They shouldn't have... If it were me, I would..." (shall I go on?)

Perhaps it isn't all about what's been done to you or what you've done...

In fact maybe, just maybe, it's not about you at all.

Nap Time's Over, Beloved

I'm not much of a napper. I've found, over the years, that whenever I give in to an afternoon snooze, not only do I feel groggy when I wake up, but I can't get to sleep at night when I should. Now of course I know naps can be refreshing and even a necessity for some (yes you, Deb), but for me I've found it more beneficial to press on through my day and fall into my comfy bed for the night.

There are however, times when try as I might, I can't seem to fight off the sleepies. I wish I could say it's all from my hard day's work, bustin' my backside, yada yada... But the truth is, I am usually overcome when I am sitting and at rest. I let down my guard and settle into my "mode"... relaxing, often reading, maybe staring blankly at the t.v., maybe praying...

...Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed.
Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; Stay here and keep awake and keep watch with Me."
And going a little farther, He threw Himself upon the ground on His face and prayed saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup be taken from Me; nevertheless, not what I will [not what I desire], but as You will and desire."
And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, "What! Are you so utterly unable to stay awake and keep watch with Me for one hour?
All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done."
Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more.
Then He came to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand"...

(Matt. 26:36-45 - emphasis mine)

Wake up!

Nap time's over, Beloved.

Behold, the hour is at hand!