Yes, with a smile

If my heart isn’t into a thing, you can tell.

I can easily say that I will do something without the excitement required. I’ll respond in the affirmative, without that perceptible smile in my voice. My yes escapes my lips in a low, long sigh.

Well, peachy. That’s mine for the day.

I looked up the definition of this word and found that there is an underlying agreeableness with gladness that accompanies the attitude of being willing. A release of qualifiers that might, at any moment, retract my acquiescence and call up my right to change my mind and pronounce a resounding NO to the request.

I am ashamed that this is all too often NOT my response to God. He kindly asks if I am willing to follow Him, and I grit my teeth hissing yes. He gently inquires if I love Him more than life itself, and I choke out an indistinguishable yes.

Why is this so hard?

I dig in to my right of permission. It’s not freely given, to anyone.

But the ONLY one who has shown Himself to be faithful and true EVERY time, is God. He alone is deserving of my wholehearted and resounding YES!

Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.

Only God can bring the smile to my spirit. In the light of His salvation can I find sustenance for joyful obedience.   

May I challenge you, as I have challenged myself, to seek a heart that is pleasing to God? Pursuing His delight above our own results in blessing for all. 


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This post is brought to you by the Five Minute Friday Link-up. A weekly challenge goes out in this writer's community by our fearless leader, Kate Motaung. We then write for five minutes ( maybe more) and share our offerings with the world. You are invited to come along!

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