Until a few years ago, I had no idea that many people have what they call a “life verse.” That is, until I stumbled across mine. As I read them, I knew these verses were important to me, would be important to me for the rest of my life. The verses captivated me and, to be honest, shamed me at the same time. They also reinforced what I’ve known for quite a while: God has a unique sense of humor.
My verses? I’ll give you the version I like the best, because it’s the language in this version that captivated me. The 1985 NIV publication of Phil. 2:14-16 says,
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…
…in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…
I love that phrase. LOVE it. But wait. Do everything without complaining … Um, ahem. This is why I rarely tell people my life verses, at least up until today. This, and the next part: … or arguing … Two areas in which I fall astoundingly short. Every. Single. Day. Also, the reason I know God has a sense of humor. Lord, you put that verse you knew I’d love immediately after a directive you knew I’d fall short of and gave it to me as my life verse? Uh, thanks. Also, these verses are the reason I know I will probably live to be the oldest woman alive, if God does not take me home until I’m done. How will I ever learn not to complain or argue?
Arguing, I have yet to figure out. Okay, I also have to figure out how not to complain, but this page is my attempt to begin doing that. I think part of not complaining will be recognizing how blessed I really am, so I’d like to use this page (blog section? We’ll see if I can figure that out) as a place to record blessings on a regular basis—things I am thankful for. I would love to hear what blessings you have recognized in your own life, too, so feel free to comment.
Jan 7, 2018 update: I did figure out how to put my “Daily Blessings” into their own category, so moved this page, the Jan 6 blessing, and now today’s into a folder that can be accessed through the menu.