For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

Ephesians 2:8 – 10

I was raised as child number 9 in a family of 11 children. How I was raised is a mystery to me.  But I remember trying, at times, to really do what my mother wanted me to around the house.  I felt good when I did something that she liked.  That pleased me.

But as I read this teaching of Paul, I am made aware of my determination to please, not God, but my mother.  My father was off at work so Mom did this kind of thing.

I became acutely aware of this when the Lord touched me and when I began to follow Him as a disciple. I wanted to please Him like I pleased my mother!  The Lord showed me clearly that I must cast every burden on Him, not on anyone else.

And I am still learning!  Lord, I rest in your loving hands, without any demands except those of love.