Phase Into Fall – October 17, 2017
Last week it became glaringly obvious that I have a ways to go in controlling my stronger emotions. I am a pumpkin in progress. (Stick with me; this will make sense, I promise!)
My manager made an email suggestion in response to an inquiry from another office. I didn’t think it was a good idea, and decided to speak directly to him about the matter. While I was quite animated and mostly in control, still my voice was elevated and I could sense that my face was flushed with raw frustration. After some debate, I finally retreated to my desk, and, wouldn’t you know it, staff in the other office replied with concerns mirroring my own. In a matter of moments, it became a non-issue. If I just would have waited, or thought outside myself to realize that others might feel the same way and dismiss the idea, my minor outburst could have been avoided. Looking back, I should have been much slower to speak and much slower to get upset (James 1:19-21). It was definitely a “stop and pray” situation, of which I did not take full advantage.
Growing up, I actually wasn’t allowed to question authority or assert my own opinions around my father. Everything was “backtalk” to him. Therefore, normally I’ve not been known to get all up in arms about things, as I’ve found myself doing over the past few months. The quiet, easygoing soul that the Lord saved nearly 30 years ago still yearns for peace, but lately my powerful inner reactions catch me off guard at times. In short, I often drive myself crazy, caring so much and over-thinking things!
I thank God that He isn’t finished with me yet.
As our church prepares for Trunk ‘n’ Treat again this year, and I get ready for Halloween, I’m reminded again of the little evangelistic fliers that ask, “Are You God’s Pumpkin?”. Perhaps you’ve seen them. In part, they speak of God scooping out the yucky stuff inside and placing His light in us so that all may see. Living as God’s pumpkin isn’t easy, but in every struggle I also rejoice, because I am a work in progress. He who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Yes, Jesus saved me from death, and scooped out my less desirable traits, but as my heart remains surrendered to Him, the Lord keeps working in me so that the light He’s placed inside is more and more visible, and glowing ever brighter.
Here’s a new poem I wrote today, with that in mind:
“God’s Pumpkin”
I’m so glad to be God’s pumpkin,
for He pulled me from the field;
The dirt of my sin was wiped away,
and He works on me as I yield.
The Spirit gives easy access –
God gently reaches in to clean:
Removing the seeds of doubt,
the stringy mess of fears unseen.
He carved out a goofy smile,
and placed His light inside of me,
to not only shine on Halloween
but all year, so the world can see.
Yes, I’m thankful to be God’s pumpkin.
No trick! His treats are the best!
Some may say I’m out of my gourd,
I say I’m monstrously blessed!
10-29-17
©Ladeena Ashley
Are you God’s pumpkin? Has God plucked you out of the pumpkin patch, cleaned off the sinful dirt, works daily in your life to scoop out the yucky stuff, “carved” a smile on your face and put His light in your soul? If so, rejoice and tell others how they can become God’s pumpkin, too!
Just remember, we’re all works in progress, with our own struggles, so lead with love!
Don’t be afraid to shine His light, especially into the conspicuous darkness of this holiday. No matter the current trends or the origins of Halloween, what the enemy intends for evil, God will use for good as you make yourself available!
Blessings to you, this day and always!
©Ladeena Ashley
2017 All Rights Reserved (blog content and photos)
Positively Ladeena 