Getting the right "Consistency"

Good morning! I feel like I need to re-introduce myself, because it has been a hot minute since I have even thought about posting on my blog. The title of this post is not just a title, but unfortunately has become a way of life in my passive-aggressive world. I am not consistent! I start with the best of intentions, then I fizzle out. Not in every area of my life, but in a lot of areas. I know what I need to do, but it is getting the self-motivation to start and then having the GRIT to stick with it. I don't think I have always been like this. I remember as a kid and a young girl being fearless and bold. What happened to that girl?! Life. Life happened, just like it does to a lot of us. The best laid plans don't always turn out as we had hoped. Those we put our faith and trust in, don't always live up to our expectations. So, what do we do? Well, in my case, I have lost some of that consistency that I so desperately need to get back into. I admit, I have said to some that maybe lowering my expectation of others or of what I think an outcome will be is the key to not being disappointed. I was wrong. I need to keep those expectations high, but grounded in reality. I have been one of those "Polyanna" girls where I looked through those rose colored glasses and thought everyone wants what I want. I always thought that everyone was doing the best that they could and I always wanted to make sure everyone was happy and that everyone got along and that everyone had what they needed...thinking that there was someone else thinking the same thing, so in return I would be on the receivng end of that goodness. Again, I was wrong. There are days when I feel like an emotional punchinig bag and I don't think I can take anymore. Then there are days when I am like one of those clowns that hold sand in the bottom and even if you punch them down, they pop right back up again-with consistency. It is the popping right back up again, that I struggle with. Maybe you do too. One of the things that I haven't been as consistent with is my prayer life and my readinig of the scripture. I am a teacher and during the school year, I tend to do my devotion in the evening. Now that it is summer, I am able to have some time in the morning where I have been tryng to gt my bible out and do some reading. This morning in Ephesians I was reading and as I turn the page I read this heading "Consistency in the Christian Life." Ok God, I am listening. This is the first verse in this section; "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk-not as unwise people but as wise-making the most of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16 Making the most of this time. Being an influence to others in order to show them not only the love of God, but the way to God. It is not about just doing your best, going to church when you can, or even giving to those in need. It is more about the "consistency" in which we walk out our daily lives. Do people know you are a believer after they have talked with you or hung out with you? Are you consistent in the way you speak and act when you are around other? Or do you change like a chameleon, depending on the crowd you are with. I admit that I have been a chameleon a time or two, just so I could "fit in" and be accepted. Again, I have not been consistent. So, why am I writing all of this? I am just trying to fumble my way through this thing called life. I am trying to be accountable for the time I have left here on this earth. I want to be consistent in showing others who it is that I am working for, living for and ultimately, dying for. I am hoping that in my consistency of sharing my thoughts and life experiences, it will help someone else who may be feeling the same way. Consistency-it isn't just a desired texture of something while cooking. It is a desire of my heart in all areas of my life. I want to be more consistent, in order to have that contentment that only Jesus can provide. I pray that you will join me in this journey. As always, thank you for reading.