What's in YOUR Heart?

Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

[Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is TRUE, whatever is NOBLE, whatever is RIGHT, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is ADMIRABLE—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or see in me—put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.]

So, I called our youngest Melody this morning to ask a quick question but told her I didn't want to talk. When she asked why, I said I was having a really rough morning, angry, sad, struggling. She answered my quick question and then said, "I have something else." "What?" She persisted, "I have something for you." Hesitantly I said, "Okaaaaay."

She said, "Think of something true." "True?" "Yes, Mom, just think of something true. You don't have to say it out loud, just think. Do you have it?" I said, "I'm not in a good frame of mind, Mel, but Ok."

"Now, think of something noble. Got it?" Begrudgingly, I said, "Noble? Ughhhhhhhh ok. Yes."

"Think of something righteous." With a long pause before each response, I replied, "Wow. Now you're making me cry. I know what you're doing, Mel. I know this Scripture!"

"Mom, think of something pure." "Oh, my heart is SO not pure!"

"Now lovely." "Ok..."

"Now admirable. Got it?" "Yes." Broken...

Then she slowly read the rest of the verse over me, "if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or see in me—put into practice. And THE GOD OF PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU."

"...think about such things...put into practice." It's more than a thought process, it's a life change!  And then a promise:  "the God of peace will be with you." I don't think I spoke after that because The Word pierced my heart. All I remember was a tearful, "Mom, I love you. Bye."

My challenge to YOU:  next time it's storming within your soul, and Life is pushing you around, YOU check YOUR heart. Slowly dwell on each attribute and see what comes forth.  I hope you do better than me and that HE calms the storm quickly.

(I love you too, Melody!)