The last two mornings I have been awakened by a knock at my back door. The one that enters my bedroom. You don’t expect a knock at your bedroom door first thing in the morning. It’s the kinda thing that gets the old blood a-pumping.
Who would dare such a bold morning move, you ask? Well, you didn’t but in my head…
Ralph the Robin. (Names have been changed to protect the annoying and because robins don’t have names.)
It’s breeding season for robins. And, Ralph, well this must be his first because he is VERY zealous.
How robins normally handle this social event is by singing and chest-puffing. I guess the best singer or biggest chest gets the girl. Funny, the rock stars and the jocks get the girl in the robin world just like everywhere else. Just kidding.
Why is Ralph knocking on EVERY WINDOW IN MY HOUSE, you ask. (Well, you didn’t but I digress.)
It appears Ralph is the best singer and chest-puffer around. There is only one problem. Ralph! Rather, Ralph’s reflection.
Ralph keeps seeing Ralph in the window’s reflection. When he does, it drives him crazy! I’m sure he has tried singing his reflection away. And, chest-puffing in the most “Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson of ways. But, Ralph’s reflection just won’t leave.
So, every day, all day, Ralph attacks Ralph by throwing his body against every window in our house.

The Person In The Mirror

Yea, my wife said last night, “That bird is probably a good sermon illustration.” So, that’s why you are reading this today. He is. Maybe was by the time you see this. Just kidding, kinda.
But, I do attack my “reflection” often. I am facing a string of challenges personally right now. And, I’m not the only one. I have more friends than I can count, who are facing big problems. It’s tough to keep from letting life’s junk beat you down. And, it’s easy to pick apart the person in the mirror.
I’m not saying we don’t make mistakes or that we should just plunge ahead in life without self-reflection.
I’m just saying. There is more to you than your reflection displays.

Be Nice To Future You

So, sure, be nice to future you. Remember, you are a strong person who is able to make choices. You are not at the mercy of the worst news of the day.
So, get a little exercise, so future you feels better. Save a few bucks, so future you isn’t so stretched. Spend time with your family, so future you has good relationships. And, go to church, so future you can remember the goodness of God.

God’s Vision For You

But, remember, God has a vision for you. The reflection you are attacking isn’t your identity.
Don’t go to war with yourself. Rather, pursue God’s Vision for you. Be all that God says you can be.
So many people waste time fighting their reflection when they could be chasing a Vision. Pursuing God’s dream for you is going to overcome more failure, sin, and fear than anything else.
1 Peter 2:9-10 (NET) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may proclaim the virtues of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 You once were not a people, but now you are God’s people. You were shown no mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Have a great day! And, if you see me in the sporting goods store buying pellets. Mind your own business.
God’s Power IN You!
Micheal