Isn’t it tempting to think everyone else has it all figured out?  I know that I fall into thought patterns where I assume that I’m the only one who struggles.  I’ve been a believer for long enough.  I have lived in church all my life.  And yet, I sometimes worry that I’m the only one who’s thinking: “I don’t know how to do this… pray, fast, be spiritual, choose which way to go.  I should be better than this!”

I’m sharing yet another book today.  Ive been thankful several times as of late  to have it on my shelf.  I stumble in my walk and then live guilt-ridden for days.  This little book, “Messy Spirituality” by Michael Yaconelli, continues to teach and remind me that God loves me in spite of my own mess.

“Spirituality is anything but a straight line, it is a mixed-up, topsy-turvy, helter-skelter godliness that turns our lives into an upside-down toboggan ride full of unexpected turns, surprise bumps, and bone-shattering crashes.  In other words, messy spirituality is the delirious consequence of a life ruined by a Jesus who will love us right into his arms.” (Messy Spirituality)

Amen to that.  I’m just starting to deal with my mess.  But I suppose the first step is admittance.

Hi, my name is Ginger and I am a spiritual mess.  My time in the word is sporadic, my prayers distracted, and my heart selfish.

“I want to be a good person.  I don’t want to fail.  I want to learn from my mistakes, rid myself of distractions and run into the arms of Jesus.  Most of the time, however, I feel like I am running away from Jesus into the arms of my own clutteredness.

I want desperately to know God better.  I want to be consistent.  Right now the only consistency in my life is my inconsistency.  Who I want to be and who I am are not very close together.  I am not doing well at the living-a-consistent-life thing…” (Messy Spirituality)

I’m thankful for this little book that reminds me of how His grace is sufficient for me.  If you haven’t read this one, I would encourage you to order it or pick it up from your local library.

Following,
Ginger