For most folks, New Year’s resolutions are futile. At each year’s end, I jot down several for the coming twelve months, but usually abandon them before January ends. This year, I talked to someone I could always count on for sound advice — Jaybird, one of the most virtuous men I have ever known. The old black man, who always called me his white son, now resides in my heart and in Heaven.
“Jaybird, how can I overcome lack of self-discipline?”
“Son, all things, whatsoever you ask in prayer, believe, and you shall receive.”
Prayers go unanswered
“Jaybird, many of my prayers go unanswered. For instance, I ask God to lessen my burden of suffering, but suffering continues. He keeps saying, “No, My son.”
“Son, tribulation strengthens you. In His infinite wisdom, God knows that pain and suffering lift His children above mundane matters and draw them closer to Him.”
“Jaybird, as you know, one of my main weaknesses is impatience, and although I implore God to grant me patience, I’m still as impatient as ever. Again, He seems to say, “No, My son.”
“Son, patience has its roots in and develops from worldly cares. It is not a virtue granted automatically; it must be strengthened day by day, which cannot happen if earthly life were nothing but happiness.”
“Jaybird, speaking of happiness, I ask the Lord to give me at least a fair share of it, but judging by daily problems, failures, and worries that offset happiness, once again he seems to continue saying, “No, My son.”
“Son, the Lord gives you an abundance of blessings; be thankful for them, and the happiness He plans for your life will follow, on earth and in Heaven.”
“Jaybird, I earn little money and do not own much. Often I ask God to give me things so that I might get more enjoyment out of life. He always says, ‘No, My son.”
“Lust for ‘things’, my child, is a primary cause of earthly misery. God is really saying, ‘I gave you the precious gift of life. Live according to My will; rise above desires for material possessions.”
Focus on needs, not wants. Be grateful that God blessed you with the ability to earn all this necessary for a fulfilling life
“Jaybird, often I ask God to help me overcome vices. He always says, ‘No.’”
“Son, you must realize that God wants you to build spiritual strength continually. One way to do that is to defeat vices — on your own. Day by day, put on the whole armor of God, which includes self-discipline so strong that it is impervious to worldly temptations.”
“Jaybird, this conversation has provided little comfort.”
“Listen to me, boy! Focus on needs, not wants. Be grateful that God blessed you with the ability to earn all that is necessary for a fulfilling life. Thank Him by doing so with a positive, optimistic attitude. Remember what the book of Colossians says: ‘Whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.’
“Son, take my advice: Live as best possible according to God’s will, pray without cease, and His answer will be: ‘Yes, My son.’”
Jimmy Reed is an Oxford, Mississippi resident, Ole Miss and Delta State University alumnus, Vietnam Era Army Veteran, former Mississippi Delta cotton farmer and ginner, author, and retired college teacher.
This story is a selection from Jimmy Reed’s latest book, entitled The Jaybird Tales.
Copies, including personalized autographs, can be reserved by notifying the author via email (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).
