Day 67: Contriteness

I love learning new things. I love when the picture becomes clear. I love when I reach that "Aha!" moment. It's like reaching up and turning the light-bulb on. It's like watching a door open right before my eyes. It's a great feeling. I had one yesterday and I kind had another one just now. I'll give you today's verse and then explain. I think it will be easier if I do it that way.

For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.
~Isaiah 66:2 (KJV)

I wanted to use this verse last night because I had one of my profound "Aha!" moments yesterday afternoon, but there was an appliance malfunction at home (the A/C was acting up) and due to a shift in routine and in schedule, I couldn't do what I wanted to. Anyway, I'm using the verse today. As I was reading it both yesterday and today, I wasn't quite sure of the definition of the word "contrite," so I looked it up. Here's what Dictionary.com says:

contrite –adjective
1. caused by or showing sincere remorse.
2. filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for
atonement; penitent: a contrite sinner.

I have definitely felt like this before. While I don't think I want to feel perpetually guilty so that it blocks out happiness, at least feeling contrite is a good and necessary thing for a healthy relationship with God. And this is also how I know that there is a God, because no one could ever write something that pertains to EVERYONE'S lives and captures emotions that EVERYONE has felt at some time or another. The founding fathers followed this verse, as is evident by these quotes. (A special thanks to Hobby Lobby!)

The second "Aha!" moment happened yesterday (and it's actually not the first time I've had this particular "Aha!" moment). My mother and I were at my maternal grandmother's house, and my mother mentioned an email that she got which I have received in the past. It explains that dogs aren't afraid to go somewhere they haven't been before if they know their master is already there. Similarly, we shouldn't fear death because our Master is waiting for us on the other side! In my opinion, dogs are an excellent example of how Christians should act--dogs are humble, they're happy with the bare necessities, they know when they've done something wrong and don't hide their guilt, they forgive quickly, they love unconditionally, and they will follow their master without question no matter where or when or how far. I honestly think that if we all acted more like dogs (in the aforementioned respects), the world would be a far better place. Being prideful and greedy are not the ways to "love thy neighbor" or God.

Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for for inspiration and creativity. Thank You for "Aha!" moments (hehe). Thank You for my family, friends, and pets; I ask that You please watch over them, bless them, and keep them safe and strong, happy and healthy. Thank You for the defenders and protectors of Your name and this country. Please watch over those who serve this country; please bless them with courage and strength, and please bring them home safely. Please bless their loved ones with peace, serenity, and strength in times of separation and/or loss. Please watch over those who need defending and support most, and may they be blessed with good Christian family members and/or friends whom You can work through. Lord, thank You SOOOOOOO much for all of the people and things You have blessed me with. I am so thankful for everyone and everything I have in my life, and I ask that You please continue to bless me as You always have. I humbly ask that You please cleanse me of my sins, and that You continue to guide me down Your path of righteousness. Please help me to become a better person--please show me how to be patient, contrite, humble, loving, honest, and content. Lord, I love You more than I could ever put into words, and I will love You and follow You forever. I am Yours, Lord, totally and completely, and I always will be. I love You with all of my heart and soul, and I know that that love will increase over time for all eternity.


Love and God Bless,
M.C.