As I think of stumbling, it is far more likely to be in the trivial than it is in the big. Big stuff takes time, will, and courage. The operative word is time. You have plenty of time to think, often too much. With the small stuff, I find myself reacting before I think. I do not think I always control who and why I make my decisions. Unfortunately, there is evidence to support this conclusion.
Depending on your perspective, one is either careless or weak. While agreeing with the obvious, I do think I will ever be strong or perfectly disciplined. The difference is the thought that prompts the moment of idiocy. Where did the thought come from? Was it something I created on my own? Were other forces at work?
Wise men often refer to life as a full cup. You cannot simply take the bad stuff out of the cup. You need to replace the junk if your life with something better. If you are not filling your life with good stuff, then the bad will continue to permeate every part of life. Adding to this thought is the idea that there are good forces and bad vying for influence in your life and mine. Both are stronger than either of us! Bluntly put, “Satan [Evil] has an ingenious way of tempting us when we least expect it.” (1 Corinthians 7.5) Evil plays on the junk of our lives in ways we never quite imagine.
My reminders of what helps includes the following.
Be intentional in filling your senses with wonder, beauty, and awe. God is present in each. In the process of this experience I find that I reconnect with Divinity.
Be with community that you can trust to look out for your best interests. This is not easy. It helps to build a network of trustees that you can rely on for honesty, insight, and accountability.
Be reflective and critical. We are human. We will make mistakes. See, understand, and cry when they occur. Take time to recognize and grieve.
