By Pat
Imagine for a moment that your heart is a suitcase, containing and carrying all the character traits you need for life. What's in there?
Well, just like a real suitcase, you may have to rearrange, or add or subtract items in order to have the perfect combination of necessary things to make the right balance. Do you need to add mercy and patience? Well, they might not fit unless you eliminate pride and envy. Could you stand a little more devotional time with God? You might have to get rid of some laziness so you'll have more room in there. What about tolerance, and deeper love for your brothers and sisters? Better unpack and discard judgmentalism. Need more forgiveness? Get rid of bitterness and grudges.
Allow God to repack your suitcase, but remember...you can't expect Him to add new and beautiful things unless you are willing to give Him the things that do not belong in a Christian suitcase. Out with the old...in with the new!
Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.