A few weeks ago, I found myself at home alone. All evening.
I had a lot to do around the house, and it was my chance to get some things done. I cleaned up the kitchen and looked at my list. Then I glanced at the coffee table and saw two DVD's sitting there.
Chick movies.
Good ones.
I debated for a moment, and then finally gave myself permission to relax on the couch in my jammies and slippers, and watch BOTH of them. With popcorn, no less!
Well, my list was still there in the morning, but I didn't care because I felt like I'd just taken an all-expense-paid cruise. It was so worth it.
I know this about myself: I literally have to give myself permission to do something for me. Like right now, I'm trying to convince myself to get my hair cut when it's already about four weeks overdue. I won't allow myself new tennis shoes, and Lord have mercy, I'm making this bra last until it falls apart!
Self-sacrifice is good. Necessary, even. But sometimes we all need to give ourselves permission to live like we really want to. I'm not talking about splurging on material things, or livin' like a loose woh-man, but doing things that feed our soul. We should give ourselves:
Permission to cry. To mourn when we've lost something or someone important. Why do we keep a stiff upper lip when an event calls for tears?
Permission to play. Oh, we should take a cue from children, who just don't seem to know when to stop being silly. Who really would care if we skipped down the sidewalk, or turned cartwheels in the grass?
Permission to laugh. Our problems and burdens are so heavy. But if we set them down for just a moment to have a good laugh over something, we might just decide to leave them there.
Permission to love. Letting someone get close to your heart is a surefire way to get hurt. It's tempting to build walls, to be defensive, to stop caring. But that's a lonely, colorless way to live. Giving yourself to relationships is risky, but so very worth it.
Permission to fail. To try something new, even if you fail miserably. Fear of failure keeps us from stepping out into the life we want to have...the life God wants us to lead.
I've only listed five "permissions," but I'll bet there are a hundred more. Today's Small Thing is to write yourself a permission slip to do something that's hard for you to do.
Really. It's OK. You can do it. Just say yes. You know you want to.
POINTS: 50 for slipping into some permission today.
What will you permit yourself to do?
