Today is my last day of my contract for the year. Summer is finally here for me, and the timing literally is perfect. I am worn and tired and have found myself not recognizing the person that I see in the mirror looking back at me. I have not been pleasant to be around. This week I had a heart to heart with God and asked Him to reveal what is wrong with me. Why am I struggling? I found my answer in Philippians 2:14-15:

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”

There have been complaints on my lips. One complaint leads to another and before long I haven’t lifted one gratitude to the Heavens for my many blessings. No wonder I feel dull and dim. In order to shine like stars in the universe we have to be obedient to not complain or argue. The Lord reminded me ever so gently that I needed to stop my grumbling. I need to return to giving Him thanks and praise, so that is what I am going to do. My gratitude journal that I started a few months ago has been sitting on my desk collecting dust. In the beginning I was faithful to write down several items I was thankful for each morning. Sometimes I would even stop in the middle of my day to jot down my praises. My workload increased and my stresses did too. My mind became distracted by the demands surrounding me, and slowly the art of praising turned to the art of complaining.

Sometimes taking a look into the mirror is hard to see, but it is in those honest reflections where we can transform the most. I am grateful that I was brave enough to see what was staring back at me, and I am even more grateful that The Lord was faithful to reveal the truth to me through the reading of His word. He is so very faithful. I adore Him and His timing that today is my last day of work. He is giving me time to rest and rejuvenate my soul, so I can become pure and blameless and shine like the stars in the universe. I plan on spending a lot of time with Him enjoying His creation, writing down my praises and returning to JOY!

So how about you? When was the last time you took a good look in the mirror and reflected on what you see? Don’t be afraid to look. Don’t be afraid to ask God to reveal the truth. When He does be ready to do what it takes to transform into a better you, one that is closer to the image of Christ. He thinks the world of YOU! He created you in your own unique and beautiful way to SHINE for HIM! Let’s get busy doing what we were created to do for His glory! Have a wonderful summer friends! #truth #gloryup

This is a prayer that I have been meditating on this week through the First 15 devotion. I thought I would share it, so that you can meditate on it too.

Dear God, thank you for the grace and mercy you have given me. I am broken and flawed. I need a Savior, not just once, but daily. Guide me to live a life worthy of your love. Help me point to you in all that I do. You have blessed me, Lord, now let me be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.