Adjusting my shoestrings

These days, life seems to be all about "adjusting".  I have had to adjust the distance of my computer in order to avoid some carpal tunnel-type arm issues and I have had trouble adjusting the shoelaces on my walking shoes.  If they are too tight on one shoe but not the other, then I don't walk normally and thus not as long or as frequently.  If the right shoe, especially, is too loose, then the right leg seems to want to compensate and becomes too tired too quickly.  It is important for my health that I walk regularly, so I am paying close attention to this issue.  It occurs to me, though, that lately I have had to "adjust" my Christianity more often, too, for my spiritual health.  Sometimes I feel like I have stepped back into Romans 7, where I find myself doing and saying things that I don't want to do or say.  What is that all about!?  I am long past that, or have been for many years - yet when I least expect it, an attitude appears and takes over, briefly, until I get control of it again.  Spiritually, the control over such things is found in Romans 8 (the power of the life-giving Spirit), just as my physical walking seems to be controlled by the strength of the shoelace.

So, lately, I have been adjusting my walk with Christ - checking on the strength and restraint of the Holy Spirit in my life.  He is willing and able to keep me walking straight and "normally" and regularly (for my health).  How did things become loose, allowing attitudes and behaviors to creep in that don't belong in my life?  Have I been lax in check-ups lately?  Have I allowed the cares of this world to influence me too much?  Have I let "the Deceiver" change me into a situational Christian, standing up only when it seems easy or popular and taking the easy way out the rest of the time?  These are questions I have asked myself and my prayer is that He will see my heart and know that more than anything I want to be like Him and never hinder His glory and witness in my world.  I don't want to be a casual Christian, either, where I am relaxed too much and never do the hard work that it takes to stay right with God.

Sometimes, when my right leg gets "wonky" and wobbly and uncomfortable, I wonder if there is an artery clogged that is hindering the blood flow and needs to be checked and opened.  So, spiritually, I am checking that the "artery" is not clogged that sends the blood between the Holy Spirit and me.  This is a life-giving issue and on this I am not willing to delay!  "Lord, hear my prayer and re-open any pathways that have been blocked between you and me!  Give me, again, the refreshing flow of your Presence and your Spirit  so that I can continue to grow and flourish in this wonderful life you have given to me.  Adjust the tension on the shoelaces of my spiritual walking shoes so that I am more productive and healthy and walking as I should..."  I am thinking that a healthy dose of  Romans 8 is in order for this Wednesday morning in January!