Gate

Our little HOA group in Austin has an automatic security gate that gives us trouble time and time again. This time it has been out for a month. I did a little research this morning and ended up finding a quality company who would take on the service in contract and alleviate us the wear and tear of having our property overseer try to handle it on his own. That just is not working, he does not have the expertise or professional knowledge to work through all the kinks, and get things back on track in a timely manner.

Making adjustments on any front is not only inconvenient and pulls at our comfort zone, but it takes a little initiative to go beyond our inner workings and solicit help from the outside. I am fairly comfortable when I am in control, but when I am forced to look beyond my own capacity and allow alternative leadership to intercede, I have to consciously and carefully make a decision based on reputation and experience. Be it gates or gifts, I have to relinquish something that I have tried to handle on my own and put into the hands of someone else. Someone more competent, qualified and experienced.

That is what I have to do with my life. There are times when things just are over my head; in relationships, in decisions, n transgressions, and in defeat. I don't have the wisdom, the strength, the courage or really even the know how to ease a friction, conquer a task, or pick up pieces of a broken dream. But God does. I tend to take on things that I really have no business handling from my end. And I wonder why it is that constantly try to control things that are not in my realm of expertise,and try to fix things that are not in my realm of knowledge? In so many situations, I don't know the background, I don't know the inner workings, I don't know the mechanics of relationships, or situations that are before me so how could I possible have a clear cut answer as to how to solve them. Oh but God does, duh! I should head first to him not to me, for he knows how we are wired, after all he is the one who created us. God knows us and what experiences we have endured and why we are weak in some situations and strong in others. He knows the insecurities that motivate our needs and the blessings that lift us up and spring us back into action.

If I know that and am convinced of its truth, then why am I so slow to concede to the fact that I need help, in every situation? Well, it comes down to a little pride, a little laziness, a little need to dominate, but a lot of me wanting the reigns. There finally comes a point when the hinges come off and I have to let go, and let God carry my burdens. It is only when I am connected through the hinges of his strength and his grace that I can continue to swing into action and he can secure my ways. Can't go wrong with God, anytime, anywhere and for any reason. He knows all the angles, has all the tools, and is a steady and accomplished helper in all situations.

The new gate guy has not yet come to the property to evaluate our concerns but I am confident after talking to him and hearing his list of references that he has the qualifications to help us find a new path for continuous operation. I know about God's track record, I have read it, I've heard it, I believe it and so many times in my life I have experienced it....if only I would solicit his help everyday in every way before I speak and before I declare in prideful resolution that I know it all when I don't... how great would my continuous operation be? If I want to be running smooth, and gliding through life without hiccups, and constant repair for words I have said, deeds I have done and boundaries that I have overstepped I need to sign a service contract with God so that he would help keep me stay in good repair through His preventative maintenance.

Romans 12:3
"[Humble Service in the Body of Christ] For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."

Dear Lord, I am in continuous need of service and repair because I try so often to handle things myself without looking first to you for guidance. Help me to remember that you are always on call and that you know the answers. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!