Tuesday With Teri

          “Bibbity Bobbity Boo”, in an instant, in the tick of the hands of the clock, at midnight, Cinderella’s life was changed.  A single glass slipper, teetering on the edge of a step, gave testament to the transformation.    Some, including Cinderella herself, may think of that moment as a negative thing, going from beautiful gown and glass slippers to rags and a pumpkin, but I don’t.   In the blink of an eye, the wave of a wand, swirling with glitter, she transformed from an illusion of who she was and into the person she really was, the woman the prince would marry….aaaand of course, live happily ever after.  I wish all transformations were like that, “Bibbity Bobbity Boo”. 

          At the stroke of midnight last night, and into today, many of us are considering change.  For some, transformation will be quick, like Cinderella’s, but for many of us, change is something that comes slower.  There may not be a resounding “Bibbity Bobbity Boo” moment.  Change often looks less like a glittery, swirling, magical thing, and more like an uncomfortable, challenging thing.   But friends, do not be discouraged….when we set our hearts on God and allow Him to transform us into who He has designed us to be, we will be changed.

          I think it is like when I am jogging.  I know I have mentioned this before in my posts, but I am a very slow runner/jogger.   When I am jogging, I like to set small goals for myself, like “when I get to the next street sign I will stop and walk a minute”, or “when I pass that next light pole I will pick up my pace”.  What I have found is that as soon as I set such goals, those particular objects seem to be constantly shifting away from me.  Maybe it is just an optical illusion, but as I focus on the horizon, the set destination does not seem to be getting closer.  I often look down at my feet to make sure I am still moving forward.  I know I am jogging, I know I am going forward, it just seems the goal is not cooperating and meeting me….but it is.  When you keep moving forward, you do eventually get somewhere!  Life goals can be like that too.

          Perhaps the change you seek in the New Year is simple yet challenging, like stopping a bad habit, or starting a good habit.   Maybe the New Year brings a determination to heal or strengthen a relationship, to finish a task, or lay down a burden.  Maybe the New Year spurs you forward toward a goal you have set many times before.  When the change is not occurring at a “Bibbity Bobbity Boo” pace, don’t let yourself be discouraged.  Ask God to be the one who transforms you, enables you and strengthens you.  With a mindset that reflects Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established”, we will come to understand that wonderful SECRET of life that Paul speaks of in Phil. 4:12&13

“I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  

(difficult things, challenging things and things that do not seem to happen quickly)

          May He strengthen us, equip us and continue to pour out His grace to us in 2014 and may we all experience our own “Bibbity Bobbity Boo” moments, even if they are in slow motion!

Happy New Year!