I Fail…….{Part 4}

I fail…as a sister, friend and all around helper.

In our daily lives we interact with so many people.

For me, many of those people are in need and I fail to do anything.

Oh boy do I fail……

…by not calling on the phone to check up on people. Be it my sisters, brothers, friends or neighbors, I am lousy at making phone calls.

…by not acknowledging birthdays, worst birthday card sender, EVER.

…by choosing to NOT listen when others need an ear to bend.

…because I talk too much when spoken to.

…because I offer unsolicited advice.

…because I speak before I think, a lot.

…because I think I already know how they truly feel.

…because I do not always serve with a joyful heart.

…because I don’t always help when asked.

…because prayers are important and I don’t always follow through (this is a tough one to admit, seriously).

…because my intended words are more harsh and a hinderance than helpful.

…because I am horrible selfish and wish others would help me instead of the other way around.

…because my heart knows the truth and my human side battles me every step of the way.

…because I am a poor example to my husband and children.

There are so many ways I fail and it is so horrible to even admit to them, let alone write them in this post. I am ashamed to even acknowledge them, let alone continue my post about my failures, ugh…..seriously.

The redeeming fact of this whole post is, I am not a totally lost cause, like I sometimes think I am.

Again, I fall back onto Hebrews 4:16, “Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” 

I am so grateful for the Lord’s continued acceptance of me and all of my faults and failures. Because if it were not for the mercy and grace that He offers, I would be so much less than I already am.

The golden rule comes to mind when I am reminded that I have grace but that I need to get up and do for others, Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” (NIV) This doesn’t just pertain to being nice to others, which most of time is how it is conveyed to children, as least mine anyway. I am shown when I least expect it that serving others is important.

Just the other day I was out with Bubba, my 11 year old, and we stopped to get gas in the truck. I had already started pumping the gas when a beat up truck with an older man driving pulls up behind me. The man leans out the window and says, “excuse me”. I responded, “yes, sir?” and he then asked me if I had a dollar or two I could spare because he was almost out of gas. I am not usually one to carry any cash, but by chance that day I had 3 dollars and 50 cents in quarters, for which I was going to get mini pumpkins for decorations. Without a moment to really consider if I should or shouldn’t I reached for the wallet and dumped out the quarters and handed them through his open window and placed them in his hand. He was shaking as I handed them to him and he said, “thank you”. I said, “You are welcome, bless you,” then without another word I walked off. The man drove off.

When I returned to my truck my son opened the drivers door and said, “He should go get a job.” I thought I would fall right over. Ugh! I immediately retorted, “You have no idea what that mans situation is, do you?” Properly chastised, he shook his head and closed the door. I was so ashamed of myself. Yes, myself, because I have been such a poor example of doing for others that my sons first thought was that the man was just panhandling for money.

I struggled with what to say to my son. I thought I was a good example, I truly did. As I hopped back in the truck I spoke about not knowing the situation but helping others by sharing what we have been given. Hebrews 13:16, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for such sacrifices God is pleased.” (NIV) I remarked that just because the man drove away from the gas pumps, I followed what the Lord says to do. I did my part, the man in the truck, he must settle up with the Lord, just like I will have to one day.

Philippians 2:3-5, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself, not looking to your own interests but to each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Jesus Christ.” (NIV)

Now that I too had been chastised, it became clearer to me that there are so many that need my attention, loving ear and prayerful heart.

I will do better in serving others….

…because I would like to be helped if the situation were reversed.

…because I yearn to have children that give without being told to do so.

…because I know that it pleases the Lord, Hebrews 13:16 can’t be wrong.

…because I will wait on the Lord in my speech, making sure that what I say is the right thing.

…because I will use my prayer notebook as intended, not as a crutch, but as a help to others.

…because Proverbs 22:9 says that a generous will is blessed.

…because I will let the spirit lead me more and not my human side.

…because I will make sure to acknowledge birthdays, either by card, facebook, or phone call.

…because the Lord will help me by showing me the who, the what and the when.

Each and every moment we are given we are obligated to do what we can. Preach the gospel, do unto others, give what we can…….Not just because the Bible says that there are rewards involved, but because Christ gave ALL for us, so who are we to do any less with our lives?

Be strong in Faith and know that by doing more for others is a benefit to you and your family. By doing for others, I can show my children that not only do we have more then enough but that we can give without reservation.

The Bible says “to teach them diligently” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) when we talk, sit, walk, lie down and rise up, essentially at every moment of every day. I do not despair, for it is easier then I originally thought. By being a Christ like example, I am continuing to impress upon my children the principles and morals of our family. This just adds to the daily duties of teaching them diligently.

Praise God for his mercy and grace, for without these, I fear I would fail so much more than I already do!

I am looking forward to your comments about being a better servant to others, please share your experiences with me below…good or bad. 

In His Grace.

Callie

You can read the others parts of the series here:

I Fail……{Part 1}

I Fail……{Part 2}

I Fail……{Part 3}