Mother Teresa inspired us to make our home a center of burning love and encouraged us to let “the sunshine of God’s love” into our hearts. This is the way to healing and restoration.
When you are filled with sunshine, more specifically love you radiate warmth and a welcoming spirit.
Healing and restoration are not only available to us, but to those around us too. So how do we do this? How do we become a center of burning love?
First we need to have room in our life for God. It is important to make talking with God a priority. Schedule time throughout the day to visit with him. Learn to say “no” to tasks and obligations that could take you away from your time with him, so that you have room in your day to say “Yes” to Him or remind yourself to step away for quiet time and reflection.
Then:
Fill yourself with God’s word – read the Bible or complete a devotional each day.
Say the rosary
Thoughtfully spend time in prayer or meditation
Listen to and wait on God
SMILE
Paul also reminds us to “constantly pray with joy” in Ephesians 1.
Our lives may not look like we had hoped - we may be fighting temptation, working multiple jobs or taking care of family members. Things that we never expected to do. When we ask God to step into our circumstances there is no way to predict what He will accomplish.
As we continue to hold onto hope in our hearts we are better prepared to answer the call to “shine like stars in the world” Philippians 2:15. And better prepared to answer His call.
God’s light shines in us and through us when we make room in our lives for Him and others.
When you are working through post-traumatic stress though sometimes it is hard to make room in your life for yourself much less anyone else. At times you may want to shut down, withdraw, and stay in your own space. You barely have enough energy to search your own soul to find what is wrong, much less helping someone else with their soul searching.
The good news is that God doesn’t ask us to search for each other. He doesn’t ask us to do or fix anything for one another. He only asks that we make space in our life to love each other.
How can you love others better? How can you make space for others when you can barely make space for yourself?
It is simple really – commit to God all that you say and do. It can be hard to make this commitment. You may be afraid of what may come or what might happen. You can be afraid that you may not have enough time or not be good enough to complete the mission.
It takes courage and strength to commit to God.
Clear your schedule. “Commit to the Lord, whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” Proverbs 16:3.
Commit at least 3 times throughout your workday to pray – eventually you will find prayer just naturally flows with you through your day.
Look for the miracles- celebrate even the smallest achievement. “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4.
Thank God throughout the day for being there with you, for guiding and protecting you and for all the gifts he has given and will give to you. “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever” Psalm 136:26.
Ask God to help you follow His plans for you - “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” James 1:5.
Be with God - you do not have to do, say, or think anything – JUST BE.”Pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 4:18.
Thank you Lord for making our home a center of burning love. Thank you for filling our lives with sunshine even in hard and difficult moments. Thank you for helping us to make more room for you. Thank you for all the gifts that you have given to us. We are forever yours. Amen.
Thank you so much for joining us in prayer. Ya’ll have a beautiful day!
All My Love,
Jen
For more information about Get Strong with Jen! click here.
To view Lean Into PTSD - Day 21 of Prayer click here.
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