A Weekend of Joy, Laughter… and a Reset
I had the joy—and, let’s be honest, the exhaustion—of keeping my three grandsons overnight this past weekend. We went to the park, played endless rounds of hide-and-seek, read nearly an entire shelf of books (The Dinosaur that Pooped a Planet is our current favorite), and laughed until bedtime came far too late. But at one point, things took a turn. Let’s just say there were tears… theirs, not mine. I’m tough.
After a brief but necessary “factory reset” (my lighthearted term for a good, old-fashioned attitude adjustment) everything shifted. The mood changed, the listening improved, and we sailed smoothly through the rest of our time together. If only spiritual obedience worked that way. A quick reset and everything back on track!
Spiritual Growth Takes More Than One Button Press
Colossians 3 reminds me that growing in faith doesn’t happen with one button press. God designed transformation to take place in relationship—with Him first, and then with others. Paul lays it out beautifully: we “put on the new self” (v. 10), finding our identity not in what we do or where we come from, but in Christ alone. Once that identity is secure, we begin learning how to live it out through compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (v. 12).
Character Is Formed in Everyday Relationships
Those qualities aren’t formed in isolation; they’re refined in the everyday moments of home life—when children test limits, when spouses misunderstand, when fatigue tempts us to snap instead of love. Paul continues, “Bear with each other and forgive one another… and over all these virtues put on love” (vv. 13–14). Love, he says, is what binds it all together.
After a weekend with my grandsons, I learned that a ‘factory reset’ can work wonders for attitude. If only spiritual obedience were that easy! Thankfully, God’s grace offers daily restarts. #Colossians3 #ChooseJoy
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The Holy Spirit’s Ongoing Work
My grandsons’ hearts softened after their reset, but the truth is, I need one of those often. My own attitude can drift toward impatience or pride until the Holy Spirit nudges me back to center. The peace of Christ doesn’t rule in a chaotic heart, it rules in a surrendered one.
A Life Still Being Shaped by Grace
I’m not the woman I used to be, and praise God for that. Christ is still changing me, shaping me, and yes, resetting me when needed. Whether in parenting, grandparenting, or simply living among people who see the real us, God is developing our character to reflect His.
We may not be who we’re going to be yet, but thanks to Jesus, we’re no longer who we once were. Keep growing.
ChristianLiving #FaithDevotional #ChooseJoy #FamilyFaith #Colossians3 #GraceInAction #ChristianParenting #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #HeidiGrayMcGill
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Wonderfully expressed.
Thank you.