Still running for the cheese (or why this blog still exists)

As my regular readers can tell, this has been a dry year for me. Just look at the number of posts this year vs. 2008! Awhile back, I had considered either shutting down the Maze, or starting a new blog that would more accurately reflect where I am in life now. Truth be told, sometimes I come here, look around, and feel distinctly hypocrytical about the things I want to write. I'm sure I'm not the only one to ever be in that kind of place.
As the time in between posts has grown longer, I came to realize something. Without the past years' material, where I am now makes very little sense. What good is the destination without the journey? As Christians, so much of the best stuff that happens to us is in the times God is molding us to His image. To throw away the evidence of that process would somehow cheapen the result, I think.
So, here we are, dear friends. I think my little mousie may just have rounded a corner finally. Some things will change around here to reflect the changes in my heart. And you know what? That's ok. As much as I typically rage against anything changed in my life, I'm learning to accept the God-given ones. My prayer is that some of you may be encouraged by what you read here. Hey, you may even be challenged. And of course, if you know me, then you know you always stand a good chance of being offended too. Not intentionally, to be sure! Just know that what you find as you wander this Maze with me may surprise you as much as it does me.

All that to say this:


Welcome to



Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Choosing Right in a Fallen World

Normally when I blog, the title comes to me first. Typically, when I'm in the shower, after I've hollered at Smokey. (darn those inanimate objects!) By the time I've rinsed out the conditioner, most of the body of the post has formed in my mind, and I'm ready to blog.
Today though, I couldn't come up with my usual clever title. I have something on my mind I want to write about, but no title. Hmmm. It feels oh-so-strange to me, but here I am.
Because I'm a mother, I feel the burden of making the right choices, the *moral* choices. After all, little eyes are watching. However, most of the people around us don't bother to sense this burden, and my kidlets are not oblivious to this. And you know what? It's hard to come up with good answers to their questioning eyes sometimes. Lord knows I'm not prepared to have all the answers, or even a satisfactory one most times.
Case in point: Our building manager is constantly questioning why we have dirty laundry around most of the time when "everyone else doesn't". Uh, I can tell you why! We don't have a washer and dryer hidden in our unit like the majority of the people here. We've chosen not to break our lease. Now, trust me, it's not as though I'm coming from a place where I'm on a pedestal over this. It's more like I know we'd be the ones to get caught. Just like we were the ones who had to get rid of our cats when plenty of people here have cats or dogs.
Is it fair? Not especially. Is it life? Bet your bottom dollar. The real question is how do I explain to my children that not getting caught doesn't make a thing right, particularly when if I thought I could get away with it, I'd do it in a heartbeat?
Is it still "right" when you comply out of fear? Is it "right" when you comply out of pride? And is that what the Lord would have us do?
Ah, there's the rub for me. What would God want of me? I struggle with justifying my actions. I know God wants me to keep a clean house. I am, after all, a house wife. On the other hand, it would be just that much easier if I had that portable, yet lease-breaking, dishwasher. (washing dishes is the absolute bane of my existence!) So, God would want me to have that dishwasher, right? Right??
Yeah. Still waiting to hear from Him on that one. I think that falls under the category of "don't hold your breath honey". ;P
So, I'm still struggling with knowing how to choose "right" in our fallen world. I think most of us will at some point in our lives. It may be something as simple as washing a few dishes, or something major, like remaining faithful to your spouse. Who knows what things God will call us to "shine like stars in the universe" on? Hopefully, we won't let Him down when that time comes.

Til next squeak,

3 Squeaks from the Maze:

Lori Watson said...

I don't know if I should congratulate you or offer you my sympathy on receiving the first Lori Award, lol. It still cracks me up that one even exists. :-D

Very thoughtful post.

LarryG said...

just knowing you are in a struggle is beginning. i think many don't realize their spirituality enough to know they have an impact. "to begin is to be half way to completion"
"Fret not over evil doers" (Psalms or Proverbs one) and I think it is in Matthew 7 where he calls us to seek the kingdom first and the other stuff takes care of itself.
thanks for the sharing MrsP

melanie said...

This is some serious food for thought! I love reading your ponderings!

 
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