Aim for the chopping block. If you aim for the wood, you will have nothing. Aim past the wood, aim through the wood; aim for the chopping block.
-Annie Dillard-
Last night was rough. The kind of night where you are so aware of the deep and destructive self-obsession that rules your life. The kind of night where you can't look away from the pain you cause. The kind of night where the whisper of the Father "I make all things new" only makes you more aware of how many parts of you need to be made new.
The kind of night that reminds you it never works to aim for the wood.
Isn't that the way it always is? We see something in us that needs to be killed and we aim right for it...forgetting all along that it is the chopping block that we're after. The heart of the problem. We try to be less selfish or more kind or more patient. We see the destruction of our sin and work so hard to find a bandaid...when the infection grows below the surface, untreated and forgotten.
I've heard it said: the heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.
So here I sit with an infected heart. One that longs to do what is right but rarely seems to. And even still...he is fond of me. Even still Jesus died. He took on the infection voluntarily, that I might become his righteousness. He went for the chopping block, not the wood. It wasn't an even trade. But, He made it very clear. He loves me. Oh, how he loves me.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
2 comments:
Lindsay, you don't know me, and honestly I don't know you. I know your dad and I am a Younglife leader in knoxville, so we know many of the same people which is how I came across your blog one day last year, so I hope this doesn't weird you out. I cannot explain to you the way your words move something deep inside me. You are honest and seeking and raw and bold and truth overflows from your heart as you write. So after a year of follow you and catching up on all the posts that I missed, I just wanted to say thank you for your tender heart that longs for more of Christ. You are a woman of the Lord and as a sophomore in college, your faith pushes and challenges me as the Lord is molding me into a woman of His kingdom as well. So thanks again, and please, don't stop! :)
In His Grace,
Lindsey Preston
Lindsey, This was such a sweet way to wake up this morning. Thank you for your sweet words and your encouragement. I love writing this blog and I am so thankful that you read it. I am going to find you the next time I come to Knoxville Leadership so that we can meet in person!! :)
Post a Comment