Done

This word can pertain to so many things in so many ways. It’s defined as no longer happening or existing. Synonyms include finished, over and done with, a thing of the past, concluded, and many others. I guess depending on the situation it can be a positive or a negative thing. Sometimes we can’t wait for something to be done, other times we may never want it to be over and done with.

I recently went to test drive a different vehicle to possibly replace my car and honestly once the drive was over I couldn’t wait to be done and leave the dealership. Of course they wanted to give me a trade-in estimate and try to get me into what I test drove. I’m not in a hurry to do this yet and just wanted to go. I knew they wouldn’t give me enough on trade to make it affordable, but allowed them to fill out their papers and try. I politely said no thank you and left in my car. I know how the whole sales game works and that I’d be better off either doing some work to my car or selling it on my own if I decide to get something different. It was also a sunny day, which seems to be rare lately, and I was more interested at that point in hopping on the bike for a ride which is exactly what I did!

I’ve been able to get in a few rides since our return from the beach, but not as many as I’d like thanks to the rain. Rainy weather is definitely something I’d like to be done with for quite a while! The riding I have done has been quite relaxing and so needed, just not often enough.

I had to get a new rear tire before I could get my bike inspected and while I was waiting on that to be completed a truck hauling asphalt pieces apparently hadn’t closed things up properly and it had spilled chunks out onto a long stretch of the highway. Someone in the shop called 911 services to get it cleaned up before it caused a wreck or damage to someone’s vehicle and warned me to be very careful if I left before it was taken care of. I was very thankful the clean up was done before I headed out with my new tire on. God’s protection is everywhere. With the road mostly clean and my bike ready, I planned to head home, but again there was sunshine so I had to ride a bit first and took the scenic route home. 😀I wasn’t ready to be done riding yet, but then I never really am. Once on the road I’m never in a hurry for the ride to end.

While riding and clearing my mind, I again reflected on several different subjects. I thought about situations and even people I’ve had to realize I needed to let go and let God have control of. I have personally had to be finished with them. This isn’t easy for me to do and sometimes I will let go then take it back several times before finally truly letting go. It’s especially hard to do if it’s a person whom you truly love, not just a situation. Even then, sometimes we just have to let go and let God have His way, without our interference or “help” as we see it. Situations and people can drag us down and lead us astray if we’re not careful. Our best intentions can also be our own worst enemy if it’s not what is truly best and in God’s plan. Do I always understand His plan? Absolutely not! Looking at all of the things happening in the world today are mind boggling to me. But whether I understand it or not isn’t the point. Allowing God to be God is the point.

All of my life I have tried to be the peacemaker or the fixer. If something doesn’t work, I want to fix it myself or find a way for it to be fixed. This goes for relationships as well as every day problems. The fact is sometimes that’s simply just not possible. Sometimes I just have to be done and accept it for what it is. That’s a hard lesson to learn, but when I listen and actually do it, there is an unexplainable peace that follows. Like the waves of the ocean there are highs and lows, but in the end there’s a calm and peaceful feeling that washes over me once I obey. It may take a crashing wave experience to make me realize it, but once the wave recedes I can see it clearly.

I am so thankful that God has never been “done” with me. Although I’ve made my share of mistakes, He’s always been there waiting for me to confide in Him, to repent, and to move on. Thanks to Him, our past and mistakes can be forgiven. It seems we have a harder time forgiving ourselves than He does.

Unlike us humans, He doesn’t force Himself on others, but He patiently waits for us to return to Him. Are there consequences for our disobedience? Most definitely. Thankfully His mercy and grace are new every day though.

Lamentations 3:21-23

“This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:31-32

“For the Lord will not cast off forever. Though he causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies.”

If God didn’t want what’s best for us, He could easily give up on us and be done. That’s not what His word says though. We may change our mind and our ways regularly, but the Lord does not.

Hebrews 13:8

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Now I must be done with writing for today. I am thankful to be able to share my thoughts and hope that your day ahead is blessed.

Be done with those things you need to let go of, and focus on the things He would have you to do. That’s my plan for today and hopefully every day. 🙏