Crap shoot:: A gamble. Unknown. Unpredictable. No “sure thing”.

Many days remind us, with every passing hour, that we are fallible and that life is filled with the unexpected. The phone call or email that caught us off guard…a disgruntled employee or employer…a relational mishap.

The ice skater laces up her skates anticipating a great run, but landing that axel jump is not guaranteed.

The teacher lays great plans for the day, but the angry parent knocks her off course.

The mother tries like crazy to penetrate the tough shell of her teenager, only to feel a deep sense of failure.

Days like these–days where I just want to throw my hands in the air and give up–they are certainly not my favorite, but I know they are necessary. I have been reminded today of my humanity and my great need for an omnipotent God.

Humility:: a modest view of oneself. Not low self-esteem, rather a healthy view of ourselves in light of the greatness of God. It’s a healthy posture–one that puts the needs of others before our own.

Pride is a very real obstacle in my faith journey. It effects all my relationships and decisions. Pride clothes me in the attitude of a modern-day Pharisee. It’s the antithesis of humility.

When days feel like a crap shoot, I benefit from leaning into one sure thing–although it’s not me–I have a God who is on His throne & He never sleeps!

Days like today (when everything feels like it’s falling apart) lead me to humility. When I walk obediently in humility, I clothe myself in the garments of a Christ follower.

May tough, disappointing days give each of us the wisdom to transition from Pharisee to follower. From pridefulness to humility. From uncertain to confident.

He is able to do abundantly more than all we can ask or imagine. That’s HOPE and I’m holding on to it…unswervingly!

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. (Psalm 121:1-8 NIV)