Long Term Residence

Psalm 41:1 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.

One of my favorite perks of Memphis residence is the occasional lunch with my brother.  Today was one of those "perky" days.  I sat at our favorite Mexican restaurant; the site of the famed glass in the salsa incident. 

We were laughing and chatting with the familiarity of lifelong friendship.  I still felt the discomfort of Wednesday's fingernail mishap.   The residual pain lasted far longer than I'd planned.

In between bites of salsa flooded chips, I absentmindedly wiped my eye with the back of my hand.  A single swipe brought instant relief.  There taking a free ride, was Wednesday's finger nail clipping.  I only thought it had been removed.  Instead it spent parts of three days scratching and maneuvering about my eye. 

Some days my life's problems resemble the nail clipping.  I think they're long gone but the discomfort continues.  I think I've moved on.  They've taken up residence.

As I read today's passage, I heard God's encouragement.  When life seems more stray clipping than executed plan, God delivers me.  He is glorified in my weakness.

My tendency to fall prey to repeat offenses.

My negativity which springs out of nowhere.

Jesus, all to often I think I've removed some issue from my life only to find it still taking up residence.  Realizing the nail is there is the first step to its' removal.  Take out my shortfall.  And let me become a long-term residence of Your grace.