Egads... I'm Gobbling

George - the turkey - at Ararat Acres

We were recently out at Ararat Acres, which belongs to our friends, Charlie and Liz.   While there, we met George.   George is a turkey.   He is so beautiful on the outside;  full of brilliant color.    George was not so tickled to see us.  He stuck that long neck out and gobble-gobbled at us to establish his territory.   Even our littlest and most daring was a bit scared by George.  

I confess that I have been very, very George-like this week.   Not quite as beautiful as George on the outside, but absolutely uglier in my actions and words.    I gobble-gobbled at my little boys this morning... loudly.   I was easily offended this week, trying to establish my territory.   I also chose to reveal something to someone this week that really wasn't their business.  Why did I feel the need to reveal my past to someone I barely know?  Not sure.   That revelation of mine has haunted me all week.  I've worried about that person's judgment; I've made assumptions about that person's legalistic outlook;  and I've spent way too much time in my past instead of living in the present.

So... right now, here in this public place, I'm drawing a line in the sand.    I will not continue in this another minute.   I am not George.  I'm a child of God.  I'm forgiven.  I have a purpose.  I will show my children kindness.   I will rejoice in God's flowing grace... and I will absolutely, unconditionally show grace to others.