Posts Tagged ‘deny thyself’

Strongest Friend I Know

Monday, July 8th, 2013

What does true willpower look like?  I've always prided myself on how strong I could be when "sacrificing" for something either not good for me or that I just didn't need to have.  I've been known to pat myself on the back a time or two just because I could deny me-me-me a little pleasure when what I really wanted to do was dive right into whatever it was pulling at my heart.

Oh….I'm a martyr.  Ahem, not really.  I suck.  I fall right into the trap of doing whatever makes me happy more often than I'd like to admit.  But I have a friend…that really inspires me to tow the line.  He lives by some pretty tight rules and yet he knows how to love and serve without breaking the bank.  Or the spirit.

I've known him a long time.  Not one single day of our friendship have I wondered if he was standing on solid ground.  He is driven to succeed.  His goals have always propelled him forward (I'm sure he's faced struggles) and he's lived his life with THE BIG PICTURE on his brain GPS.  Therefore, he's extra good at biding his time and only making very strategic moves.  He's one of the best friends my hubby's ever had too.  

He may not know how he influences those around him.  His charm is genuine and his heart is truly made of gold.  I, personally am so grateful that he's married to one of my best friends who in her own right is probably the sweetest person I've ever known.  Together they are a dynamo!  If you're lucky enough (blessed is more like it) to be in their family or friend group then you know just how gracious our God is with sharing His love.  

Just this weekend, my friend stepped into a big purchase decision.  He's savvy with his money and certainly not one to just blow money even though I know he isn't struggling to get by.  As soon as I got the text picture of his purchase I smiled.  He deserves to get great things.  He's worked hard and isn't a flashy or prideful dude.  I felt excited for him to slather on a little extravagance.  But with the text came a "just trying it out" warning.  I prayed for him because I knew above all things he would want to do what was right for his family and honoring to God.

This morning I woke up to a sweet text telling me that the purchase was returned.  I immediately remembered how much willpower it takes to be a man like him (the same words my hubby spoke to me when he heard the news).  Getting stuff isn't all that important if it has to infringe on your peace.  It takes a strong person to deny SELF of guilty pleasures and still remain joyful and satisfied.  That's my friend, Dale.

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out."  Proverbs 10:9

Dale,

You inspire me.  You stick up for what is right and make good choices and the best part is that those of us around you get to watch.  Thank you for being such a wise example of self-control.  God has blessed our whole family with a friend like you and we couldn't be more thankful.

P.S. Thank you for picking the perfect girl to be your wife.  She inspires me to be a better…everything! (I love you Tabbi)

Love

Wanda