| "Sometimes we need boundaries around our own unique struggles ..." |
In Lysa's devotion, she tells a story about her sweet little dog, Chelsea, who, in her words, "... is obsessed with trying to attack the tires..." as she exercises her freedom beyond her fenced in yard to run and play whenever someone drives up the driveway. As a result one day, she had an unfortunate encounter but survived with a broken front leg and scraped-up back leg and nose. Poor baby and of course, Lysa wept ... I did too, without even seeing it, because sadly I can relate. Not with my current dog family, but a dear dachshund, Champion, who I left behind when I went to Mexico. My Champ, just like Chelsea, loved to run the length of our driveway, fiercely attempting to stop that 4 wheel beast. However, one day, one of those beasts ended up taking the life of our dear little Champ. I could hardly believe the long distance news, but I guess I was thankful not to see him that way. Later that fall, it was similar news of my dear dad, only 15 days before his 90th birthday.
So for me, it is one devastating blow after another ... quite often. Like last year, when my spouse was in ICU after suffering a cerebellar stroke, he was doing exceptional at recovering until that 5th day of observation, when the swelling went to the front lobe of his brain causing speech and swallowing difficulties. Earlier that morning, our little papa dog, Chimi, died and now this. My spouse was discharged on Hospice Care. Then once again, made remarkable, miraculous recovery ... by November 2nd taken off Hospice because he was able to go it on his own. Then this past weekend, another stroke in a different place in his brain that caused temporary weakness and paralysis to his right side, but released already this past Monday after only 3 days, once again on his own. {at least he thinks so, I know otherwise} Yes, we all have our limits and our boundaries. By God's grace, we are given both boundaries, limitations and many chances to get our life on the right track and come to surrender to Jesus, not make it on our own, because our eternal life is not based on anything we do, on our own, it's only because of Jesus Christ.
Champ went beyond his boundaries and it cost him his very life. My spouse has gone beyond his limits more than once now, and yet through many prayers on his behalf he was strengthened, and with self-determination (in his own eyes) he is continuing to live, although he knows his days are limited (he says he's terminal) ... in a sense, we all are, yet those of us, who have placed our lives and trust in Jesus Christ, will see our earthly terminal end become an eternal beginning of life with God, because we choose (chose) to accept Jesus as our Savior and surrendered our life to Him and His way. We are not made to be a victim of our poor choices and decisions. We are made to be victorious, overcoming children of God. (paraphrased from one of the things that Lysa wrote we need to remind ourselves)
| "God helps us put boundaries in place, knowing that we need more time to heal before we step outside of them. Honoring those boundaries helps strengthen us and moves us forward in our healing." |
[This was in relationship to her Chelsea needing to allow 3 weeks to heal and Lysa loving her enough, to not let her go outside].
| "... but my love for this dog would not permit me to allow her to harm herself. Her brokenness couldn't handle that kind of freedom."... |
In my own life, I have been in that place where my brokennness could not handle that kind of freedom but also where my fragile state could not handle the brokenness nor the lack of freedom.
Another point Lysa reminds herself when struggling and considering a compromise, is to force herself to think past the moment and ask herself "how will I feel about this choice tomorrow?"
Other reminders from Lysa paraphrased: Boundaries need to be put in place, not for restriction, but to define the parameters of our freedom. In situations where temptation is overwhelming, one must remove the temptation or remove themselves from the situation and avoid the temptation. Frankly, after years of failing at this and ending up with awful consequences, I truly know how hard battles are and the cost of waging a war. I am not powerless but the power I have found is only by the Holy Spirit and it has taken years to rely on hearing His guiding voice and direction for me. It doesn't or hasn't taken getting ran over by the beast, but often I feel like I have and there are plenty of battle scars to show for my physical, spiritual and emotional wounds, however there also are glorious healings and growth in my journey ... as I am trying to learn much about establishing boundaries, I never had and knowing my limits. The problem is that others exceed their boundaries, limits and control and cause continuing conflicts with no resolutions. So I withdraw and isolate rather than try any longer to confront. I find myself...
| 34. "Consumed by Cravings" |
