Creatures of Habit

Well it's been awhile since I have posted anything.  Over the past 10 days, I have been to Chicago and back, Dodge City and back, hung out with family, worked with preschoolers, discussed serious life concerns, and as of this morning, unpacked ridiculous amounts of clothing from Old Navy before even the sun wanted to get up.  Needless to say, I've been a bit busy, and a bit exhausted.  Although my trips were very enjoyable, I have been on an emotional roller coaster through all of it.  Thus, I have not blogged because frankly I just didn't feel like it.

In reflecting on these past few days, and feeling like I needed to get back to my blog, I identified with the statement: "we are creatures of habit." I, probably more so than others, because I tend to follow strict schedules and guidelines for each day. Although these past few days were definitely not normal for me, I found myself slipping back into my selfish habits.  The longer I went without blogging, the easier it became to just not do it. The longer I went with half-heartedly doing my devotions, the easier it became to switch back into "me mode".  The more I had going on, the easier it became to justify satisfying my needs, my wants, my lack of motivation etc. For awhile there, I felt I was on a roll with being "on top" of things in my life, and now I've let them slip enough that I have felt utterly unmotivated and selfish.  It's been one of those weeks where yah just want to eat the whole gallon of ice cream because "Whats the point? Let me drown my sorrows in this yummy goodness now, and maybe tomorrow will be better. "

So I must apologize for my lack of discipline when it comes to this blog.  I never want to write anything unless it is from the heart, and lately, my heart has not felt like being shared (except maybe to throw a pity party).  I say all of this because I don't want to be a creature of selfish habits.  I think habits can be very beneficial if exercised in the right way. But I know for me, I tend to use mine as excuse...an excuse not to change, an excuse to give up, and an excuse to wallow in my selfishness.

But here's the cool thing, I don't have to be stuck in these selfish habits forever, because I am capable of creating new habits.  Did you know that you can create a new habit in about 30 days?  Granted, it takes consistency, reminders, maybe even a buddy, but we can change.  That's the beauty of being human..we can always change.  God sent His Son that we would have life and be free from the bondage of sin, that we could be triumphant over sinful, selfish habits. 

This week in my Lent Devotional, it's about God's holiness and grace.  Obviously, the two go hand in hand.In 1 Peter, God says "I am Holy, you be holy."  But today I have to wonder if my habits are reflecting a holy life.,. I'm pretty sure I know the answer. So, how exactly do we become creatures of holiness?

Romans 5:17 " For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ."

Because of Christ's death, He gave us the opportunity and grace to overcome our flesh-centered habits, and through His grace, He alone gives us the strength to create habits of holiness.  I know I need to refocus myself, and start putting into practice more selfless habits.  Now, just like any habit, it's not going to happen instantly, and I don't have to be completely perfect in everything I do, because I can't do it on my own.  But, with God's help, I can become a creature of holy habits, and in time be transformed into who He wants me to be.  I don't know about you, but I found it very cool that even though it took one man's sin to mess up the world, it also took one man to save it. I pray that we would would embrace the Savior of this world, for He alone gives us the power to overcome.