Food for thought

I recently came across this verse from Titus 3:8-9

"This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless."

How easy is it to get caught up in foolish controverseries and arguments. This doesn't say to disregard the law, but neither should it be our focus. We should focus on doing what is good. On being who God made us to be. On loving others and on loving God and walking with Him each day. The rest will naturally fall into place.

Imperfection

Sometimes I just wish I were perfect. Or at least that I could pick up the phone and ask God exactly what to do in each situation. I wish I could just be happy. Have faith. Be patient. Not be sad or overwhelmed with emotions. But I'm so not perfect. And it's exhausting sometimes.

Shadows

I'm a sunshine girl. I love being outside when the sky is blue and the air is crisp and the sun is warm and soft. I enjoy hiking and swimming and just hanging out on a blanket with friends. When the sun is out, life is good and it makes sense. I feel like I can do and be just about anything.

But invariably, at some point some moisture finds itself in the atmosphere and pulls together to make big dark clouds that block or even hide the light. Then it doesn't seem so nice outside. I feel ready to get back in the car and go home. Watch some TV maybe. Take a nap. Anything to stop feeling so gloomy.

It would be nice if the sun were always out. But at least I know it's always there. Even when I can't feel the warmth. And in the end light breaks through darkness every time.

Where do you stop?

"It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes." Eccl 7:18

So my question is: how do you stay in the middle? When you find yourself too far on one side of the street...how far do you go before you start hitting the other side? What is "balance"? It is certainly something I strive for. But I also seek adventure and variety and new things. For example. I'm thinking about piercing my ears. I would really like to. It would give me a whole new genre to shop for and a new way to accessories. But. Let's say I do that, and then 6 months later I get bored and I want to try something else new. Where do you stop? Or are there really always new acceptable good things to experience and try?

Thoughts?