I Don't Want to Be Critiqued

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I don't want to be critiqued.

Friends over the years have said, "Boo, you should write a book."  Over ten years ago the Lord gave me a specific topic to write about, but I have zero desire, besides the obedience factor.  Why? I don't want to be critiqued.

A young woman near and dear to my heart is a beautiful artist. Her portraits capture the spirit of a person. She minored in art in college, but when I asked why she didn't go on and get her masters in art, she said that emotionally she couldn't handle the pressure of the critiquing process from the professors.  I totally get it!

But in all honesty, I am guilty of critiquing others and the worse part is my beloved husband is my dumping ground for these emotions. My greatest personal offenses are triggered from my protective defenses on Sunday morning, due to the judgements of those coming through the doors critiquing everything from the music, preaching, children's program, friendliness of the people, to the cleanliness of the bathrooms. I dumped all of that, plus my judgements of the those individuals on my pastor husband.

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Matthew 7:1

Most of you reading Boojoyful are in the grand-parenting stage of life along with me and oh how quick we are to shake our heads at the ways of the world of parenting these days.  What I know for certain is our parents did the very same thing in regards to our generation and we were not up against near what today's parents are facing. 

Here's a good reminder...

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14

The clip art today is from a sweet friend, HUGE encourager in the faith, whom I met through writing this devotional. I had a rough night last night and told the Lord (didn't ask the Lord) that I was ready to quit this.  It will be 25 years in February, but I was going to bail today.  Then I awaken to find the message through this clip art on my phone. I kid  you not, every time I've wanted to quit God uses someone to encourage me to stay. Again I remember, it's not about me. It's not about the opinions of others. It's about staying close to the Lord and seeking him. He's the real deal and involved in every detail of our lives. When we get discouraged we need to remember where the battle really is.

No time for a Song today. Hmm well, maybe I will make time later or simply receive grace.

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