Another Day

It has been another interesting day in the life. I did find out that I do have some money coming my way for school from the WIA program, but not sure how much until I lay out some longer range plans than before. Also need for them to be more detailed. As weird as it feels, I'll probably go without a job until May, and then try to get part time work while finishing up classes for graduation. FINALLY!!!
Don Miller had some interesting things to say in Blue Like Jazz on grace. He struggled with pride being a block to God's grace. It wasn't that God said to him, "Remove the pride or you'll get no grace." The grace was and is ever there. Don, and we, feel more like we don't need it. In his words, "I love to give charity, but I don't want to be charity."
I feel like that. Especially in the midst of these days of joblessness. God has provided me with an opportunity that I must take. In order to take it, I must rely completely on Him. Sometimes, this means letting others take care of us. God works in this way more than through other means. He could just provide me with an honorary degree through some high faluting university and I'd be set to get a better job, which He could also lay out for me. That would be hugely miraculous. The only problem is that God wants me humbled. He wants to use the gifts He's given to others to take care of me. And it isn't just me. Our Father takes care of all of His children in this way.
From where I stand on this, the blessings aren't so much dependent on God. We have grace and mercy and provision handed to us. We must be the willing participants, though. We've got to be able to let our pride die so that we can be blessed. I don't mean only money either. Our blessings are laughter, crying, handshakes and hugs. Sometimes the blessings come from being God's instrument.
I saw most of the film Shallow Hal tonight. Something about that movie applies here. When we stop being so worried about ourselves and what we can do to improve our own standing and pleasure, we begin to see the beauty of other people's hearts and not just the superficial things the world wants us to focus on. And it isn't only other humans' beauty, but God's beauty that begins to be evident.
So, like Paul said, it's time to die to the flesh. We cannot be so naive as to think that God is our genie any longer. We're supposed to be conformed to His likeness, not the other way around. For me, I want to lay it all down and receive what He has to give to me, wherever the source He chooses to send it from. What about you?