Meditation for Perfectionists – Tuesday November 12, 2019

Positive Change Is Possible

Luke 18:27: “Jesus replied, `What is impossible with men is possible with God.'”

Several years ago I invited an older woman to have lunch with me. On the scheduled day she left a note on my porch, apologizing for breaking our date. I knew she was having trouble with her two married daughters, but I didn’t anticipate her reaction. “I don’t think we can be friends,” the note read. “You’ve never been through anything like this. God certainly is not helping. It’s best we not see each other again.”

My immediate response was to reach for the phone and tell her she misunderstood. All I wanted to do was enjoy lunch together. I wanted to assure her that since I had experienced hurtful times, too, I would pray for her and her family. I wanted her to think well of me and God. If I could just set her straight — lovingly, of course.

But I didn’t call. I didn’t write. In fact, I didn’t even panic. I decided to let God work in this woman’s life unhindered by me. No longer did I need a crisis to feel valuable. The new behavior was not totally comfortable, but I walked through the unfamiliar feelings and survived. Positive change is possible.

Lord, changing is difficult.
But with you as my helper,
I can change destructive thoughts and habits.

Copyright Joan C. Webb

For more from Joan Webb visit www.joancwebb.com