I am amazed at how the Lord uses each and every thing in my life – whether great or small – to mold and shape me. I am usually looking for Him in the “great” things of life. I look for Him during the loss of a loved one or during financial reversal. I beg Him to show Himself strong during those times; to reveal the lesson I’m needing to learn so I can move on out of that trial.

The small things, however, are a different story. A child with a cold, one bill that is late, a vehicle with a flat tire or a dead battery. These things don’t seem as powerful as the the more serious kinds of trials. In fact, they aren’t that serious! Most children recover from a cold! Most people have been late on one bill without losing their houses! Flat tire? Dead battery? Big deal.

I began 2009 feeling parched and dry spiritually. I knew I needed the Lord to do a work in my heart. There was some bitterness taking root; there was some selfishness clinging to me like a sticky vine. There were harsh, unhappy words springing forth from the lips I once guarded so carefully. I tried to rid myself of it, but alas, I have not the strength on my own.

I asked the Lord to forgive me, to help me, to change me. I knew He would do the job.
Oh, no, I haven’t “arrived”! I’m writing this while still very much in the midst of “construction.” But, it’s coming. Slowly, I’m learning. Steadily, I’m adapting.

I asked the Lord to help me to be more flexible. I often go headlong into a school day with four children and let my husband fend for himself. Yes! It’s true! You can gasp in disbelief, it won’t offend me at all! I’ve asked the Lord to help me be more selfless, and yes, He’s working on that, too!

Most of you know that I have somehow injured my shoulder and that we’ve dealt with much sickness lately. These are not life altering problems, at least, not yet. My shoulder is healing. My children are well. But I am looking for the Lord. I am seeking His help; His divine guidance during this time.

He’s teaching me to adapt. I am having to do many things with just one arm! I am cooking, folding laundry, cleaning, teaching, and diaper changing with one arm. I am left handed, or so I thought, but I’m finding that I normally do many things right handed! I am also finding out that I can do most of those same things left handed also! I didn’t realize how I had adapted to the right handed world that I live in! I didn’t notice until this injury. I didn’t appreciate it until I had spoken with other lefties and heard their surprise at how many things I do right handed!

I’m learning that my Father has other areas in which He would like me to be more adaptable. Things like helping my husband, agreeing happily when the plans have changed, responding with a sweet tone of voice to clamoring children, etc. If I can adapt to being right handed, when my brain would rather be left handed, then I most certainly can adapt in my heart and mind to be what Jesus wants me to be.

He helped me to adapt physically, so He will have to help me adapt spiritually. It can be done, through Him! My prayers are being answered. The Lord is indeed teaching me to be flexible! Adaptability, after all, is a synonym for flexibility.

The children’s song says “He’s still workin’ on me, to make me what I ought to be…” and that is still true for me today. I’m so thankful that He hasn’t given up on me!