"Starting Over"

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"This might not be an easy time,
there's rivers to cross and hills to climb.
Some days we might fall apart, and some nights might feel cold and dark.
When nobody wins, afraid of losing, and the hard roads are the one's we're choosing.
Some day we'll look back and smile, and know it was worth every mile.
It dont matter to me, wherever we are is where I want to be."

Whitney sent me this song to listen to. "Starting Over" by Chris Stapleton. 

The kids had just started school back after the 6 month Corona Virus spring break. That's another post.
It was a long week and the kids and ourselves were adjusting to the normal school routine. Behaviors and patience levels were not great by any of us. You know, just one of those weeks.

So I listen to the whole song (check it out) and find myself in tears, for a couple reasons. 

First, was that Whit and I will talk about how quiet our home will be one day. How these days with 4 young kids that will grow into teenagers, then adults will all be full of different trials and triumphs along the way, but that they will go by in a flash. We know that "one day we'll look back and smile, and know it was worth every mile." 
So, the song struck that chord in our hearts. 

Secondly, the Holy Spirit was also nudging me back and forth with the music. The full chorus is this:
"It dont matter to me, wherever we are is where I want to be.
And honey for once in our life let's take our chances and roll the dice.
I can be your lucky penny, you can be my four leaf clover.
Starting over."

Jesus was whispering, "Spencer, wherever you are, I am there. I love you no matter what and will always be there for you, if you want to acknowledge me or not. But what do you have to lose? Are you ashamed of me? Are you embarrassed of your belief in me? I have given you an eternal gift, because you believe in me. You owe me nothing in return and that will not be taken away. But, just like you as a father love your children, do you have expectations of them? So do I. Share me with your family. Show me off with pride like your most valued treasure. I know there will be hard times, but one day in eternity, you will look back and smile...... And know it was worth every mile."

So it was a challenge to myself and a challenge to anyone reading this. Whatever "priority" you put over your relationship with Jesus needs to be scrutinized. Yes, we can all rationalize anything, especially work and finances. STILL scrutinize it. If you believe Him and His promises then the faith that knows He will watch over you, and provide for you, must take over. 

So I am starting over, every day. Letting go of my control over things or frustrations with how I want things to go or people to be, and just letting Jesus lead me. Growing fruit in me that I can bear and share with my family and others. Letting Him work, so I can rest and not feel so exhausted with all my trying and striving without Him. 

This is not magic friends. It is real. I am feeling it and living it and seeing Him change my heart. And I am seeing how that is infecting the hearts of my children and wife. So like as the old saying goes - let go, and let God. 

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your savior and invited the Holy Spirit to live in you, then I would love to talk. Here are some great verses to read.

throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Ephesians 4:22‭-‬24 NLT

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NLT

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:29‭-‬30 NLT

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NLT

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NLT

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”  Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:9‭-‬13 NLT

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