Do you find yourself struggling through your daily routine? Or questioning the hum-drum path of your life? Maybe you even find yourself asking, “who cares?”
Taking this Summer of 7 journey has not been the “fun summer experiment” I thought it would be. NO, it’s been a constant reminder of just what a self-centered brat I am. Totally not a cool thought to have about yourself.
As I rolled into week 2 of Summer of 7, which is 7 items of clothing for 7 days, I was pumped. Excited my 7 items were all washed and fresh smelling, I went to bed with anticipation in my mind. Anticipation of what God would reveal. He was clearly breaking my heart. And I’m hoping clarity comes after what He stirred during my 7 days of 7 foods.
Before I knew it the alarm was sounding and it was time to get a move on. Going through my usual morning routine, I finally ended up in my closet ready to select my first outfit for the week.
I stood there amazed.
Amazed at what a good selection I had picked for only 7 items. NOT!
Amazed at my eagerness to dress and get to my appointment. NOT!
Amazed that I was staring at these 7 items of clean clothing with a bad attitude. YEP!
Amazed that I was so self-centered I was ready to call this whole experiment off. YEP!
As I stood there with tears stinging my eyes, all I could think was “WHO CARES!”
Who cares if I complete this experiment?
Who cares if I cheat and pick a different shirt for today, making it 8 items?
Who cares that I’m greedy and have a huge closet full of clothes?
Who cares that I’m a spoiled-brat and I’m having a tantrum over what I can not wear?
WHO CARES?
The Lord snatched me out of that pity-party with the sweet words to my heart, “I care!”
My pathetic soul needed those comforting words that first morning. I dried my eyes, reached for that fresh clean black t-shirt, jeans, and my tennis shoes. I was thoughtfully affirming myself while dressing I can do this because God cares. I can do this because God cares. Even if no one else cares, God cares.
Is your soul there today? Are you going through the motions of life, but left wondering WHO CARES?
Hear those precious sweet soul-soothing words God spoke to me, “I care! I, your God, care!”
Blessings from my God who cares — counting them all with Ann at A Holy Experience.
256. fresh juicy watermelon
257. a new recipe
258. a tender heart
259. a purple and orange sunset
260. beach day
261. music that speaks
262. scripture that opens my eyes
263. Jennie Allen’s new book Anything
264. a hug from my son
265. a heart felt conversation
266. a text asking for prayer
267. opportunity to teach
268. a sparkling clean bathroom
269. fresh clean sheets
270. smell of a fragrant rose
271. laughter with the family
272. spending hard days with special ones
273. a evening walk with my girls
274. brightly colored pens
275. encouragement from a stranger
276. hubby who delivers me coffee in bed
Dawn says
I am so there with you today–and your words really spoke straight to my heart…I really needed to hear God cares. I don’t know why I’m forgetting that–but thank you so much for the reminder. I really needed that this morning =0) Have a great Monday!!
Positively Alene says
Oh girl – God cares. Whether in the big or small HE cares. He says he cares when it is all for His glory. Ah yes — let His glory fall! Be blessed today knowing God cares!
Michele {A Life Surrendered} says
Wow! You are so authentic and just love your honesty. I do not get out of my PJ’s most days… I live in the country and homeschool my kiddos and PJ’s are just fitting for the roll :)
But I think the it would be harder for me if I was suddenly without the choice — I’d all of a sudden want everything I am supposed to be abstaining from.
Grace to you on this journey… :) With love to you,
Michele-Lyn
Positively Alene says
Today I long for country and pj’s. Abstaining is soooo hard, especially when what you want is within an arms reach. Thanks sweet friend.
Danelle says
I just read 7, but I have yet to take this challenge. I love being here today and reading your transparent thoughts on the process. Change is hard, isn’t it?
God keeps leading me back to 7. I can’t seem to shake that there is something I should “do”.
You happen to be the post right before mine over at Ann’s. God incidence. :)
Thankful to be here today. Praying for your journey.
Positively Alene says
Danelle – if you have the book and you’ve read and you just “happened” here then maybe you should join the experiment with us. I can tell you after two weeks, it’s been a wild ride. One I wouldn’t trade, but I have yet 5 weeks to go. LOL
Kerri (a simple princess) says
thank you for the reinforcement that even though i am in my own valley right now and it feels that no one cares…He does and that is the truth i need to hold onto as i learn and grow through this storm.
Positively Alene says
Oh girl – HE CARES! He cares when it’s dark and you feel alone. He cares when it’s bright and the clouds part. He cares when no one else acts like they do or even when we don’t want to care ourselves. Hands nailed to a cross — HE CARES!! ALWAYS!
Tammy says
I so needed that post today. I am in a wild season and I find myself stamping my foot and wondering why God can’t hurry things along and realizing I may not be ready since I am having a temper tantrum. I was touched by the words God says, I care! Thank you and have a blessed day
Positively Alene says
You and I both needed that post girl! Those temper-tantrums that come from waiting on God are the worst. Praying you sense His ever loving presence and know that even though the wait is long and you frustrated . . . He cares!
Brianna says
I LOVE THIS POST!! I love that you are being super real! I love that you added in the things you are grateful for (I just finished Ann’s book a few weeks ago). I think a lot of my friends and family probably think, “why are you doing this?”
You are right on, GOD CARES!! It’s all for His glory! Keep on Alene!!
Positively Alene says
Ah thanks Brianna! If we all remember that “why” we should do things should be for God’s glory then maybe we won’t worry about “who cares” because we would remember that HE CARES. Hmmmm I think that was a huge run-on sentence. Hope you got the heart of it. Blessings girl!
Nikki says
Oh, girl, you would gasp if you saw how small my wardrobe is. It’s miniscule. really. because I hate shopping. especially for myself. so one would think this week would be the easiest for me. Oh not so! because I’m certain my rule-bending nature would come out full force.
will be going to bed tonight chanting God cares…God cares…God cares. thank you for this, friend!
Jamie @ Six Bricks High says
I wondered that same “who cares?” thought today when my daughter-in-law invited us over for dinner and I sat and ate my chicken and spinach while they ate a yummy dinner. He does care, and for that I’m so thankful!
And coffee delivered to you in bed – the best!
Christina says
He cares! The most important truth that’s hard to grasp sometimes. I think I need to read that book! And coffee in bed…wonderful:)
Elizabeth @wynnegraceappears.com says
Wow, amazing. I wish you peace and encouragement through this process. I hopped over from Ann’s to visit. So glad I did. May you find His comfort in these days ahead. I have been stretched like a green Gumbie doll recently. hmmmm, I guess that means I am in process and He is not through with me. Good thing. wishing Grace…. Beautiful post.