Sunday, July 27, 2008

Seeing Myself Clearly


"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
~Philippians 2:4~

The real truth about myself or my character and motives can often be hard to discern and even more difficult to see.As an all too human woman, at times, I see myself through the pink hues lenses of rose colored glasses.I see myself through His eyes which are eyes of love and grace.Today I saw myself through His eyes.But this time it was through the eyes of a Father who longs to see me whole,and like Him.Those Eyes were loving but I,at that moment,realized I needed help with my attitude.I don't do the servant thing very well at times.I would,at times,rather do anything than cook another meal or wash another dish or do one more thing for another here.I saw this very clearly today.This was a glaring truth to me.I saw myself clearly.And it was not pretty.A sharp tone,rolling eyes or heavy sigh,may be missed by those whom I am serving but they are not missed by God.And today I was made aware of it.I had been too absorbed in my own self interests to see this as an opportunity to become more like Him.Jesus,the Son of God,took on the form of a servant and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross.And yet,there I stood in my kitchen,not wanting to cook one more meal.But I did it anyhow.*Smile*Thankfully I married into a family that is extremely gracious and forgiving.Just like God Himself.They see me clearly and still they love me.That is an immense blessing.

Image from SOJ Graphics



18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love this!

Sharon Goemaere said...

Thanks so much Debbie!I really felt God wanted me to share this!!Blessings~Sharon

Victoria (Vii) said...

Thank you for sharing this... I was in need of hearing it!

Sharon Goemaere said...

Hi Victoria:
Glad it ministered to you.I was not going to share it but as often happens I sensed God saying"do it!" So I did...Blessings~Sharon

teacupsandpoodles said...

Dear Sharon,
Visiting your blog helps my heart.
Thank You for all you share in words.
Sincerely,
Mary Ann

Mimi said...

I am afraid that you turned the mirror on me...and I see myself pretty clearly in your post today...
thanks for the insight...

Sharon Goemaere said...

Bless your heart Mary Ann...your words bless and encourage me to continue writing...Sharon

Sharon Goemaere said...

Blessings Mimi...seeing oneself is hard but is necessary for spiritual growth...hard but necessary...Sharon

Jo said...

We really are kindred spirits, Sharon, for I too saw myself through the Father's eyes the other day. Seeing myself in such a way inspired me to look upon others just like that and for some reason, my eyes shine brighter and my steps are lighter. Life is beautiful, and so are you Sharon.

Sharon Goemaere said...

Yes we are kindred spirits Jo!I knew that from our first"meeting.!"It is oft times not pleasant to see one as Father sees us when we are behaving badly...makes me appreciate His grace that much more...love you Jo...~Sharon

Debbie in CA : ) said...

Like a cup of cool water extended to the weary traveler, I graciously read your words and look to Him. All too often I lose sight of the path while trying to find my way. Thank you for sharing and reminding and encouraging.

Sharon Goemaere said...

Thank you Debbie.Your words have blessed and inspired me!Peace~Sharon

sparrow's song said...

Gosh, how well that spoke to me. I've grumbled as well.

My family has graciously lightened my load in the dinner area in not forcing me to cook dinner every night. Some nights it's a fend-for-yourself but then my children are older (19 and 21) That helps my attitude for when I do cook. It has returned to more of a labor of love instead of an unwelcome chore. They're happier and so am I.

Sharon Goemaere said...

Hello Sparrow!
It's just me and husband at home now.But sometimes I just still need a break.Dealing with his post stroke issues wear on me sometimes.His stroke was mild and in 2002 but he still has some balance and other issues.So I do most things although he does help some.Some days are harder than others.But I try to keep in mind the blessing of having him with me still and he's able to drive again and such.I am so very grateful too for God's grace to see me through my times of attitude issues and such.I need His grace much at times in that area.Lord,renew my mind completely.Thanks for stopping by Sparrow and blessing me...Sharon

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharon,

You found a kindred spirit in me as well! We share all the same likes and tastes -- and I especially like your blog. I put you in my blogroll on the Quill, if you don't mind.

If you are a "romantic" at heart, like me, then wait till you hear what I am doing right now. I am a governess at a cottage in an exclusive, wealthy community here in Michigan. The cottage, and most of the others, is 115 yrs old and is on Harbor Point which is a peninsula in Lake Michigan. Sigh, all I need now is a prince :-)

Keep up the great work!
Phylicia

Sharon Goemaere said...

Hi Phylicia,
Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving such kind and wonderful comments!Yes,we are indeed kindred spirits.And your position sounds lovely!I am a romantic at heart I think but it is not a side of me often seen except in places like my blog and journals perhaps...Blessings~Sharon

Denise said...

Well how trasparent was that! Oh He so wants us to be real.... to be transparent so that His life would show forth...... What a beautiful post........

Thanks for coming by my blog.. It is nice to meet you...... I will be back

Sharon Goemaere said...

Thank you Denise for your kind and encouraging words.I find that people(and God)seem to respond to transparency.Being real opens us to the potential of both ridicule as well as blessing.Thankfully I have mostly seen the blessing side of it in my life...Bless you~Sharon