Chill. Do Not Force It!

This morning I read a quote from an author I admire. His name is Donald Miller. I read his book called "Blue Like Jazz". He has several others published. His way of thinking inspires me because he thinks outside of the box.

Today, he posted this on Twitter and Facebook: "In the end, none of us will be respected for what we forced to make happen. God makes life happen through free kindness."

Read that statement again.

I've been reflecting this week on my life. Thanksgiving is a good time to do that. You know, you start thinking about what really matters in your life. Is it all of the stuff you have? Or the people in your life? 

This post got me to thinking... and I know that God's plan is better than mine. I know that He has a plan because Jeremiah 29:11 says He does. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Forcing things to happen will get you out of God's will, and from Donald's point of view, it will cause you to lose respect. I wonder whose respect he believes we will lose?

If I do not know anything else, I know this: My life is good. Sure I have good and bad days like everyone else. But in the end, I have what I need. I am also blessed with things I do not need.

I am thankful for each day. Every hug, sweet word, and smile from the people who mean the most to me are all I need. You can't force that type of stuff. 

God's "free kindness" comes from this: Psalm 86:15, 103:8, and 145:8 all say the same thing, "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."

It has been my experience that when He speaks in three's, we need to pay attention. Do not force things in your life. Let it happen naturally. God's got this.