Confrontation Avoided by the Holy Spirit

"That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:4

I found myself on the steps of a particular store front with a unity candle standing beside me and a plastic vine in my hands. I was diligently willing myself to be calm, breathe, and carry on. I had never been in this position before where in one ear the Holy Spirit was nudging me to do the right thing; make it work; be kind, while at the same time, in the other ear, I was being told how I had ruined this fixture that stood before me and how it will take all afternoon to fix what I had torn apart (very boldly, I might add).

Let's back up a few hours. It was a Monday morning, everything seemed right in the world. My family was just coming off of a whirlwind weekend of witnessing my youngest marry his long time sweetheart. I think I was still in a blissful mood from the extravaganza when I received a call from the new bride (while on her honeymoon) letting me know she forgot to have someone return the instrument I spoke of earlier and that it had to be in it's rightful owner's possession that very morning. I told her not to worry, I would take care of it (how hard could it be?).

I immediately spun into action, grabbing the goods and merrily being on my way. As I pulled up into the driveway and was making my way across the sidewalk I was met by a woman who had obviously not experienced the same morning as I had. She was red faced and clearly upset by the condition she found the piece I held in my hands and proceeded to let me know just how she felt, holding nothing back.

I would never want to present anyone in a negative light to you and I know she must have been dealing with more than what I presented to her on this morning. As she continued with her myriad of issues that caused her grief and despair over such a small offense the Lord kept speaking and moving me to do what was right, which was to immediately kneel and begin the task of wrapping and weaving the ivy up and around and draping the flowers throughout the candle stand until I had it looking better than it did when it left her hands (her words; not mine).

I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit joined me that morning. I need Him constantly to go before me. He knows what's up ahead and how He wants me to handle situations that I find myself in. By no means am I saying I'm perfect or that everything I handle is smooth sailing because of how I handle it. That day's event was as if everything was in slow motion. God was showing out for me and boy did I have a front row seat to walking after the Spirit and not in the flesh.

"This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." (Gal, 5:16)

The lust of my flesh that day would have looked a lot differently than how the Lord drove me to respond. I am so thankful He was with me and that I obeyed Him. I rejoice in Him.

In the end, she loved the look I gave to the unity candelabra. She even graciously hugged and thanked me for saving the day. I responded with a 'you're welcome' as I walked with wobbly knees back to my car. (Oh, and the weak knees was not because of what I did, but because of what He did through me.)

I love you & He loves you more!

Lord, I desire for Your righteousness to be fulfilled in me. I know that it is a work in progress and I fail often and for that I am sorry. Help me to always be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, especially when dealing with others. In Jesus' name. Amen.