Has anyone seen my keys?

Have you ever done something so embarrassing that your only hope is that no one ever find out about it? Well, I did just that last week. Except now, I've chosen to tell the whole world. Well... maybe not the WHOLE world.

Last week we had some unusually warm weather for this time of year. And on one of those warm days, I decided to use my lunchtime to go walking rather than go home for lunch. The office is near the high school football field and track, and in my effort to lose some weight, I have been making use of the track.

Knowing the forecast for the day, I planned a head and brought my tennis shoes to work. As my lunchtime approached, I changed shoes and grabbed my phone, so I would have music for my walk. I happened to be alone in the office that day. My coworker was taking a well-deserved day off, so I had to lock the front door before I left. I decided to use the restroom also, so one more quick stop and I headed out the back door.

It was such a beautiful day! Warmest day we'd had. So nice, that I wasn't the only one using the track. By the time I was done, two more walkers had joined me. I was in such a good mood as I finished my last lap - the sun was shining, my favorite music was playing, and I had walked my 2 miles with time to spare. I exited the gate of the track, grabbed my water bottle, turned toward the office, and...

It hit me. I never went back for my keys! I had them sitting on my desk ready to grab as I was changing shoes, but then I used the restroom and never went back to my office. I had no way to get into the building. I couldn't even get into my car.

I only had one choice. Calling my coworker on her day off to admit to something so embarrassing is not my definition of fun. And asking her to rescue me from my own stupidity is never enjoyable. But she saved me with a smile on her face, like she always does. I'm so thankful for her. Needless to say, I bet I never forget my keys again! Lesson learned.

I often wonder if we learn lessons from God like that? Does it only take one mistake for me to get His point?

I don't think so. I think, at least for me, I miss the lesson He's trying to teach. Or maybe I'm missing the consequence for not listening. For example, the panic that ran through me when I didn't have my keys last week was because I knew if I couldn't reach my coworker, my next option was calling my supervisor who is 110 miles away. Not a good scenario. So when my coworker said she was home and could rescue me, the word "relief" is an understatement!

With God, many times there is no immediate consequence. No one to stand before, no one to judge me.

Or is there?

Each morning I have to look myself in the mirror and know that the woman looking back at me has done her best to do what God has called her to do. And if that woman isn't happy with the answer or her heart is uneasy with something, who does she stand accountable to? What makes her wrestle a with a troubled heart? Why does this heart burden lay so heavy on my chest?

I used to struggle with the mirror daily. No one will ever convince me that there are no consequences to not listening to the Father. Your heart knows, even when the rest of you refuses to believe. I ignored Him for years. Even though I knew His word, my heart could not, would not accept everything He had to offer.

A funny thing happens when you realize, when you accept God's love. That woman in the mirror changes too. Her questions turn to thank you's. Her troubled heart begins to praise. And she knows exactly who she stands accountable to... and He has forgiven me and forgotten my past.

The heart burden still remains. But it's weight is lighter and I no longer carry it alone. I know my purpose and what He has called me to do. With His guidance and direction, I am slowly finding my way. He has opened many doors along the way and I am learning to trust and lean on Him. No keys required... Thank goodness!

Psalm 32:8 ESV

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.