BE BLESSABLE, OBEDIENT, AND COACHABLE

I've been drawing a blank for our September article… until now. I was trying to be patient and wait on it. So I've been peacefully watching the U.S Open tennis tournament. I'm watching a first-round women's match between Osaka of Japan and Collins from the USA. I truly enjoy the competition and the journey these ladies are experiencing. To many, this is just another tennis match. What I am privileged to see is an experience of a lifetime. What very few notice is the obedience and work they have put in to get them to this level of excellence. I won't go into the particulars of their careers, but they have both been through a lot of which we know only a fraction of. (Google their careers for a glimpse and a bit of perspective.)

I don't know if they lean into God in times of need or much of anything about either. What I do know is they have to be obedient and coachable in their preparation to compete at this level. I believe being blessable is just as, if not more, important than anything to maintain this level of success consistently. This doesn't simply apply to their vocation. It's carried outside the field of play into every aspect of life. Being blessable is the key to a joy-filled and consistently peaceful life free from anxiety and worry. Yeah… A peaceful life free from anxiety and worry… it's doable.

So what does it mean to be blessable? The only definition I found was — capable of being blessed. Let's dig a bit deeper and see what is meant by capable. Capable is having the ability, fitness, or quality necessary to do or achieve a specific thing. Able to efficiently achieve whatever one has to do.

Well, there we have it. And as God would have it… He wants to fill us all with his unsearchable greatness. (Psalms 145:3) "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable." And as we know, he has given us all free will and the ability to choose and have faith in God, being secure in our eternal life in heaven, or we can choose to turn from God and live apart from Him. (1 Corinthians 10:13) (2 Chronicles 9:7) (2 Peter 3:0) I highly recommend the former.

Now it's on us to surrender and receive. Simple but not easy when we rely on our own understanding far too often. You can do this… of this, I am certain. I have only been able to come to this conclusion by His grace and favor and the gift of blessability. I don't even know if that's a real word, but I know it's a real thing.

This month marks four years of surrender and soberness. I only mention this as a testimony of hope and encouragement to all who struggle with life's addictions. The Christian solution for addiction is a one-step program focused on Jesus. I also recommend a program called "The Most Excellent Way." I attend weekly meetings at church for men and women, where we draw on scripture, share our journeys, and provide support for each other. This "one-step program" is well worth the investment and a valuable tool to add to your life portfolio.

Until next time,

Be blessable and much love,

Larry