from me to Him

Winnie-the-Pooh, Rabbit, Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Tigger, Kanga, Roo, and Christopher Robin. Most of you are probably somewhat familiar with these characters from Winnie-the-Pooh. Each character has his or her own unique personality... maybe you can identify with one.

I would like to say I relate to the wise owl or even the energetic tiger. Some might claim I am like Kanga - the motherly type. But if I am completely honest... I tend to relate mostly to Eeyore. Eeyore tends to look at the glass half empty. He can be a bit gloomy and pessimistic. 

When I returned home from Ethiopia, I must admit... there was about a week and a half where Eeyore came out in full force. Each morning I woke up thinking about our friends in Ethiopia. I wondered if they were okay. I wondered if the kiddos were back in school. Each morning I woke up gloomy and pessimistic. I questioned why this country was going through hard times. I wondered what I could do. I was so overwhelmed with fear and worry and sadness.

Then one morning I remembered a wise friend's words. When I remembered his four words, everything changed. "God is in control," was all he said. When you look at the above paragraph, the word "I" is used TEN times. Not once did I think about God being in control. Not once was I even trying to look to God. I was looking at my own understanding and was gripped with fear and worry and sadness. When I remembered the wise words of my faithful Ethiopian friend, everything changed. My focus was no longer on me or my feelings. My focus was on the One who gives hope. 

When my focus is on Him, everything changes.

It allows me to choose hope and joy and contentment... a far cry from fear and worry and sadness.