We have a lot of sayings that tell us things need to be hard to be good. ‘No pain no gain’. . . ‘Good things don’t come easy’  . . .  ‘Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, and difficulty’. I have no argument that this is often the case.  However, does making things harder really help? So many things are naturally hard, and we often say, “It was worth it.”  Sometimes hard things don’t end up being ‘worth it’ and they end in frustration.  On the other hand, some things are so easy that we are in AWE when they are so good!  It’s the grace of God!!

From the journal . . . May 2016

Lord, I realized something, probably from You.  When it’s time to get new monthly verses for my family, I think I need new verses I have never used before. I also think I need to represent a variety of different books from the Bible, like not too many Psalms, Proverbs or Gospel verses.  Why do I do that?  Why do I make things so difficult?

And I Believe God Said:

I’m glad you see that you don’t have to make things so difficult.  It is part of the thoroughness tendency you have.  You strive for thoroughness, organization, and balance but it doesn’t have to be so hard.  If it is easy – that doesn’t mean you are lazy and just taking the ‘easy way’ out. Daughter, there isn’t anything wrong about taking the easy way, if it is the right way.  My yoke is easy and my burden is light.  

Matt 11:30. “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  New Revised Standard

Oh, Jesus.  I receive that.  It’s freeing.  I hear in my mind, “You’re just taking the easy way out.”  Well, if it’s an option with integrity and pure motive, then why not?!  Thank You, Lord.