Let Go of the Trash

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true… honest… just …pure…lovely, of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8

As my daughter worked on her potty-training, I found myself crouched on the floor in front of the toilet more often than I’d like. This was never a lonely experience for me though. You see, it seemed whenever Isabella got the unction to use the toilet, my 1 year old son and the dog invited themselves to the party. So there we all were, the three of us and the family dog stuffed into the smallest room of the house. 

On this particular occasion my son decided to add yet another dynamic of fun into the mix. He laid hold of the trash can and a battle ensued as he dispersed its contents all around the bathroom. After I peeled the can from one hand and a chunk of my hair out of the other, I slid down the bathroom wall for what seemed like the 10^th time that day. As I massaged my head to be sure some of my hair was still intact, I found myself being assaulted once more by the contents of that vile trash can, all while the dog sang to me in a long, slow, tireless whine. Then the piece de resistance … a pair of soiled underwear had just made contact with my head, slid down my shoulder and came to a rest on my arm. I then opened my mouth and exclaimed, “Why Jesus, why?” 

And that still small voice simply said, “Let go of the trash, if it is not pure, lovely or of a good report toss it”. In essence He was telling me that it does no good to cling to the negative, or to garbage pick. When we do this we find we are simply re-dispersing old trash back into the here and now of our lives. The enemy wants our focus to be on the junk, he wants us to get weighed down by the trash and negative thinking that we allow to pile up as we walk through the everyday moments of our lives. 

God however wants us to lay our trash, our burdens, down at His feet. When we toss the garbage we will find that it’s much easier to see His constant goodness, provision and great love at work all around us. So today make a choice to toss the trash, and think on those things that are true, honest, just, pure, and lovely and of a good report.

"The wise in heart are called prudent, understanding, and knowing, and winsome speech increases learning [in both speaker and listener].” Proverbs 16:21 

My name is Lori, I am a daughter of the King, a Pastors wife, and the mother of three beautiful children. This monthly devotional looks to bring godly insight and humor to the everyday moments we experience as parents. It highlights the countless ways God speaks, and ministers to us through the joys and trials of parenthood.  I invite you to become a part of the everyday antics of our family’s life. As you join us you’re sure to find yourselves in the midst of many of the familiar delights, and countless mini catastrophes that come along with child rearing. Each devotional you read will be set along-side Scripture to aid in self- reflection and spiritual growth. And as you read along with us each month, you may begin to discover that our children’s outward actions often reflect many of our inward thoughts.  This unique perspective enables us to take an honest look at ourselves, and it even puts us in a position to be pickled through the process of parenthood. So come and join us as God reveals the little child in each of us, and our ever present need for His love and wisdom.