dailydatewithgod

I once read that my level is discipline is proportionate to my level of happiness.  It sounds contrary at first but when I realize that happiness, true happiness is not some sort of quick fix but rather a sustained experience of well-being it does in fact match.  I know often the first thought when we hear the word discipline is that we are being punished or found to be in trouble. We are all a disciple of something or some way of thinking, meaning we practice discipline on some level. It could be the disciple of being a good person or following a specific philosophy or religion, but whether we realize it or not we practice a way of life.  I prefer to practice a way of life that leads to peace and happiness.  This often involves delaying the instant gratification for a more sustained sense of well-being.  I often characterize it as doing stuff I don’t want to do first.  Perhaps that is what being a grown-up is about but somehow by doing those things, I experience a greater sense of peace.  Maybe because I do not spent a lot of time in fear of those things catching up with me.  It seems at the outset that living on a whim without any discipline is more fun, more childlike, more spontaneous, more joyful.  But the flip-side is when those necessary things don’t get done and they catch up with me.  I fear being disciplined like the kid who is called to the teacher or principal’s office to account for her behavior.  If I do the disciplined thing first, then I am free to enjoy the time I have and do what I like to do . . . much more freeing.  I need God’s help to be disciplined.  I need the courage of God to stay on track to not be swayed by the latest and greatest thing that wants to grab my attention.  And I need God to direct my thinking so that I can be of maximum service to Him(myself) and to my fellows.  After all, this is what it is about.  I used to think that being of service to others was a way to justify my taking up space on the planet (well at least I am helpful and a good person), but being of service is an extension of my recognition that I am loved by a gracious God.  The creator of Creation deemed me worthy enough to be here on this planet–not just for me, but because I have something to give and to share.  When I am disciplined by that knowledge I can give from that experience.  How have you seen discipline bring you freedom?  My prayer for you today is that be guided by the discipline that you are a creation of love by the Creator of love and experience the freedom of that truth.  Make it a great one!  Peace~Colleen

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