That was the fantastic question from my nephew, Duro, very early this morning. The short answer is that I do my best (although I don’t always get it right) to live a life listening and being obedient to God. If He says, ‘Nik, I want you being your most loving and forgiving self!’ I say, ‘Ok, Boss, anything to please You!!!’ When others are unfair to me, I remember that God’s ways are more than fair. He exceeds my expectations in every aspect of my life! I live with one necessary mindset: EVERYTHING IS BETWEEN ME AND GOD, NOT BETWEEN ME AND ANYONE ELSE. What anyone else does, that’s between them and God! I keep my eyes on God and His prize for my life! Wink! Wink!
And following this philosophy from Mother Teresa has guided my life on a gorgeous path. God shows me such love and attention that I feel like I’m His favorite girl in the entire world. Like today nervously walking into the area where the girls were having their wisdom teeth removed, there was a lady there with a T-shirt filled with butterflies and a message, “Think Positive.” It was a special wink from God to me because butterflies have become a special symbol of His invisible Presence that is always with us. It was as if He was saying, ‘Relax, I’m right here with you guys!’ “Faith over fear,” is what I told the girls. We’re trusting God as our constant Partner, Friend, Guide, Protector, and very loving Father.
“What kind of a mother do you think I am? You want me to take care of you?” I joked with the girls on the way to the dentist. Honestly, they have been like the mom helping me with grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, picking up, and helping me out with the boys; it is my proud pleasure taking care of them. I don’t know where I would be without them how they cater to us. They’re the perfect example of why I forgive: The blessings from God are off the charts when we follow His leading. My cup overflows with blessings! (HUGE SMILE)
I didn’t get to go to my new spot today with the girls having to go to the dentist, where I hang out with God asking what He has to say to me. I now run to another close-by neighborhood that’s exceptionally beautiful. I’m reminded of what an extraordinary life God has guided me to. Sucking in the atmosphere, I’m filled with extra love and gratitude for God’s help and guidance. These runs and alone times with God are where He gives me His perspective on my life and reforms my character, helping me to become the Nik He would have me to be. Two mornings in a row, these verses have shown up in my alone times with God:
“Honor those leaders who work so hard for you (that’s my husband!)… Overwhelm them with appreciation and love (Wink! Wink!)” – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
God is pretty talkative once you get to know Him, and I sent my hubs pics of both times. God is at the center of our marriage and these verses showing up two mornings are God’s precise marching orders to me. And I just reply, ‘Roger that, God, I got You!’
“Love says: I’ve seen the ugly parts of you, and I’m staying. Our culture doesn’t love love; It loves the idea of love. It wants the emotion without the sacrifice. – Matt Chandler
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8