INTRODUCTION

I need to write. I have been distracted lately and wandered from my commitment.

I have a passionate desire to share whatever I may have within me that could do someone some good – an encouraging word, a personal view of how magnificent our Lord is and how much JOY still exists in life if we recognize it.

I have dreams. I have hopes, I have ideas – and I am easily flummoxed by my own doubts, fears, and wandering thoughts.

THE PROBLEM

The word ‘discipline’ gets a bad rap. It takes on the harsh tones of ‘have-to’, and ‘Should’ – fouled by MUSTiness. We often avoid it, deny its power, or deliberately turn from it.

I need discipline. In rare moments of clarity, I WANT discipline. Why is it so hard to hold on to?

Considering diet: I find myself celebrating success and approaching a goal one day. The next day may find me over-confident, chafing at resistance, losing focus, or just landing face-down in a bag of chips.

The same pattern holds for so many of the worthwhile projects that I hold dear – including my writing goals.

Following through is easier when I have accountability. If I have committed to someone else, I will do everything I can to avoid breaking my promise.

So, I ask who can I confide my commitment to? To whom am I willing and able to be accountable?

I need a buddy who will be able to hold my hopes (my goals) in clear view and to reflect them, to renew my sense of direction. Who, without judgment or attempts to ‘control’ me – is able to offer the right questions, or encouraging words that empower self-control.

I miss having someone who will encourage, support, and comfort me. One who will celebrate my victories (allowing me to dance and shout, without embarrassment or envy) and help me back to my feet when I crash. One who will call me on my ‘stuff’ — holding me accountable, with utmost confidence that I can achieve what I have committed.

I had such a partner for almost 50 years – before cancer took my Dear One from me. I get weepy, every now and then, bemoaning my loss all over again.

With Joe’s encouragement and support, I accomplished much that I had never dreamed was possible. He was my friend. He was my playmate. He was my partner and the love of my life. If he were here now he’d have something to say about getting up and getting on with my business.

He believed I could do anything if I truly defined what I wanted, believed that it was worthwhile, and realized that my strength is built on faith.

If I listen with my heart – I can hear him reminding me of this verse: “I can do all things – through Christ who strengthens me”. Philippians 4:13

 SOLUTION

Joe would emphasize the most important point of that verse, which is that everything of value and meaning in my life exists only through Christ.

Our Lord promised that He would never leave or forsake us. So, as I ponder these things in my heart, I give thanks for the love I have known. I can rejoice in the partnership I loved and was blessed with for so many years. I can survive the loss because I believe (with all of my heart) that it’s temporary.

I can stand, dry my eyes – look up and begin again — because the ultimate ‘buddy’ we all truly need is with us always… even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20 NKJV).

May you be encouraged today.

Blessings, Love, and Laughter,

Margaret