Getting Better at Choosing Better

Be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. MATTHEW 5:16 THE MESSAGE 

I’m not good at just being with people. I’m the one at the dinner table jumping up every couple of minutes to fill glasses, tidy up, make sure everyone has enough to eat, and so on. I’ve missed long stretches of conversations because I thought I better start loading the dishwasher or washing the pans. I’ve always struggled with the idea of being over doing. It’s hard for me to open up to others too—but I’m hoping God’s strength is showing up a little more every day in my weakness. I’ve missed too many opportunities to genuinely connect with people, even those closest to me. In an attempt to justify my busyness, I’ve thrown down the “I’m the servant type” card. But then, the story. 

I can relate to the story about Mary and Martha in a personal way. My sister Becky is a warm, lovable, extrovert who loves being with people. She sits so beautifully, and is inspiringly generous with her life. She’s open and vulnerable, and the love of God in her has prompted countless people to “open up with God, our generous Father in heaven.” I think you can see who’s who in our story. I can almost hear Jesus saying, “Bonnie, Bonnie....” 

God’s design of every single life He creates is flawless. We’re wonderfully unique. The design is divine and the purpose is perfect, but we’re all imperfect people in desperate need of our Savior. We need Him every day. We need Him to show us how to choose like Mary did—what is better, so it won’t be taken away from us. The investments we make in relationships are the things that make it to eternity. He’s a caring, loving Father who wants a personal relationship with each one of us. If we open our hearts and lives enough to be vulnerable with people, His love will shine through our imperfections and right into their need. They’ll see the love that will not only save them, but heal, comfort, and accept them like never before. 

Father, Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Your love is clearer through my willingness. Help me be open and vulnerable more often, courageously and unafraid. 

This is an excerpt from The Beach is Calling: 90 Devotions for Rest & Relaxation – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.