Brought Low

*Shamelessly reposted from here*

When I lose patience or let daily frustrations impact the gentleness and grace of my speech, I am quickly brought low and reminded of my need for growth. These struggles reveal my weaknesses, and keep me humble! Praise God for these reminders of how desperately we need Him and praise Him for His wonderful promises. "The LORD lifts up the humble," Ps. 147:6, "He setteth up on high those that are low" Job 5:11, "God opposes the proud but favors the humble," James 4:6. 

~~Michelle, Above Rubies

I have had many, many moments of being brought low, and my sinful heart being revealed to me...just in the past week! Heck, who am I kidding? Just today! I struggle with having control over my emotions, and patience, when just life happens! I still have my own ideas of how our family should do things, adapting for our unique needs such as Mum's illness, homeschooling, etc. And I'm a control freak. 

Suffice it to say, my family has low tolerance for all of my many issues--those above are just skimming the surface! I am grateful for their input, and for never, EVER, indulging my sinful heart...but sometimes I do think I will never "get over" these heart issues of mine! It is such a hard process, this refining the Lord works in my heart through this imperfect life, with all its interruptions, mess, conflicts, and even the pain. 

My perfectionism seems to be at the root of all this--no? I'm seeming to wander around wondering why this one struggle has popped up--really like a persistent blemish--yet.again?! 

BUT: I am daily reminded, through the words of Paul himself, my family...or the Holy Spirit's gentle whisper, that, He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

And I am humbled by that amazing grace.