jointjournal

The “elephant” is that part of family life that is so difficult, so prevailing, so in my face, that I cannot look at it. I know that if I stop averting my attention and I look directly at it, I will have to act. And I’m afraid that if I try to act, I can’t change much.

What God is revealing is that He is wise enough to guide my gaze when “elephants” are examined. My precept in these cases must be to, “Learn to move man, through God, by prayer alone” (Hudson Taylor).

If I’m too afraid to look and ignore the elephant, nothing will change. If I am willing to look, then pray, then sacrifice in love, all things are possible.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love” (I Cor. 16:13, 14). This is my directive.

The process begins when I am willing to take the first agonizing, attentive look. The first look can be terrifying, and deeper layers paralyzing, but if I begin by being willing to see, in the end all things will be possible.

Susan’s journal, Feb. 26, 2013