Welcome to My World

This is likely to surprise long-time listeners who might think I jump out of bed like Tigger the boisterous tiger. The reality is that I wake up with an outlook closer to Eeyore the dismal donkey. No, I’m not joking.

My first conscious thoughts, every single morning, are irrationally gloomy and colored with familiar feelings of hopelessness that suggest living is more drudgery than delight and really, why bother. What in the world? This has been going on for years and it’s rarely tied to anything concrete in my life. Bummer, huh?

Now that I have your attention, I’ll tell you why I’m sharing something so personal. For the longest time I begged the Lord to take this weighty thing away from me. It persisted. Now, I’ve quit asking. I still don’t understand it, but I trust He has reasons for allowing it. I’ve learned instead to take the ugly to Him faster than quick.

I now begin my days by slipping out of bed to my knees. I’m only there briefly, mere seconds, but they’re life changing. From something that once felt like a curse has come the sweetest of blessings as I invite God into my world from the get-go.

As I write these words to you I’m playing an old song called “Welcome to my world” on my laptop. It reminds me of the invitation God makes to each of us to share our lives with Him. I’ve discovered the great joy of accepting His offer and welcoming Him right back into mine. If you haven’t, there’s no time like the present! Allow me to close with a few of those lyrics.

“Step into my heart, leave your cares behind, welcome to my world, built with you in mind.  Knock and the door will open, seek and you will find, ask and you’ll be given, the key to this world of mine. I’ll be waiting there, with my arms unfurled, waiting just for you, welcome to my world.”

Hugs, Shellie