Clearing Out the Cans

At times i have looked back at the start of this blog and thought - why can't I just blog something fun like cooking or crafts?  Well, miracles are coming and soon it will be exciting to share those and later look back at the history.  So bear with me and meanwhile, some thoughts have been stirring in me. Then maybe next year I'll be off to share recipes or do a craft...


My husband amazed me with an illustration he came up with for a motivational talk at work this week.  He talked about picturing a pantry shelf with a variety of new, clean cans and then some that have been on the shelf for years that are age-stained and worn. The new cans represent the new challenges that we so easily grab and get into, like our annual new year's resolutions.  The old and dusty cans are still up on the shelf because they represent our fears (and probably dislikes).  These cans are the things that hold us back from having a fresh start and from living the life God intends for us.


Looking at it another way - I think one of my fears is to see the shelf bare!  I've experienced it so many times as I trust the Lord for His provisions in food.  It's too easy to hold on to my fears of the future when I don't see any "new cans" coming on the horizon in the form of new blessings!  A bare shelf tests me to see where I am placing my hope and challenges me to completely let go of control and worry over it.


Our Pastor spoke along these lines this past Sunday. Facing the issues God wants us to will be key for us to move forward. Everything God tells us to do is for our best. In order to bless you though, God needs our obedience.  As a parent, we can't pour out our favor on our child if we can't trust them to obey. God knows who will do right under difficult circumstances. He wants to get us on the right path and bless us. Not that we have to be perfect but what is important is having a humble and honest heart before God.  When David was confronted with his sin with Bathsheba, he responded right with repentance so God restored David and gave him favor again.  He wasn't perfect but honest and obedient. 

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (New International Version, ©2010)

²⁶ See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse— 
²⁷ the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today; 
²⁸ the curse if you disobey the commands of the LORD your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.

So taking my old excuses and ways off of my can shelf will take more discipline and commitment than ever before. 1 John 5:3 says that God's commandments are not burdensome. Obedience is at the heart of our relationship with God.  


My Aunt Debbie (affectionately known as my FA) had a saying that used to crack me up when I heard her use it.  When she would notice that several soda cans were around in the kitchen, she'd always say "it's time for the can committee to have a meeting."  Still makes me laugh and think of gathering those cans to go smash them for the recycling.  I think it's time for the can committee to have a meeting and I'm going to smash the cans that are holding me back in 2011!  Care to join the can committee?