"Should" You Really?

It is often too easy to feel that our lives are not making the impact we hope (or believe) they should.?“Should” is a toxic word.?The word “should” implies that we’re supposed to be doing something other than what we’re doing right now, or that whatever it is we’re currently occupied with is unworthy or meaningless or isn’t accomplishing what it ‘should’.?Should is a shame-based statement that creates stress and anxiety in our body, mind, and spirit. ‘Should’ indicates that there is a specific, correct way to do things. This is not true.?Of course, we are called to obedience, to follow the way of Jesus.?Yet the way in which we live His Way is unique to each of us, to our context, and to our opportunities.?What’s even more releasing and freedom-giving is to know that since He is present in us by His Spirit, and since His purpose is to draw all people to Christ, we can know that as we are going about our lives, He is at work in & through us.?Even in our imperfect reflections of Him.?We do not live by religious ritual or formulas whereby only if we do things in certain ways will God show up. “Should” attaches itself to external expectations of what someone else has said we ought to be/do, rather than encouraging a healthy relationship with the Spirit who works in & through our work and living.?To help release yourself of any ‘should’ so that you can live freely, remember the words of Paul who reminds us that “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him” (Phil 2:13).?That’s amazing!!?No matter the context, no matter the hours you must work, no matter your assessment of the ‘quality’ of your interactions, no matter the external expectations of others or your internal ‘should’, He works in and through you.

Accept that He is present in your comings and goings.?He is accomplishing what He desires.?Keep going.

Rest and be free.