Motives. Proverb of the Day.

Proverb of the Day. 

http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/your-50-favorite-proverbs-29-hidden-motives/

Motives. 

For some reason, motives seem to be a theme in my Proverb of the Day, so I decided to take a look at it – and at my own heart.  I was pleasantly surprised and encouraged! 

I followed my usual habit and first sought a definition for “motive” from Merriam Webster.  The simple definition was: 

a reason for doing something.

The complete definition was: 

something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act. 

So, basically, motive is the reason, need or desire behind our actions.  

As I recall my actions of the past days, at least the ones that really stand out, I realized my motives were pure. 

1)     An uncomfortable discussion with a family member

a.            Motive:  protecting and defending another family member

2)     Designing and creating the landscaping in my backyard - which I now call my Healing Garden. (One day Ill show you the end results….) 

a.            Motive:  Create a healing, tranquil Heaven on Earth for myself, family and friends.

3)     Crocheting, sewing

a.            Motive:  A nice creative outlet, a way to make inexpensive, yet treasured gifts, and the joy of creating something beautiful.

4)     Keeping a fairly clean house, laundry, ironing, cooking

a.            Motive:  I love enjoying my home and taking care of my husband.

http://quoteaddicts.com/topic/accuse-quotes-and-sayings/

But, in all honesty, if I “weigh” my heart with regards to my Healing Garden, my crocheting and sewing and my home, there is some pride in there as well.  

And I felt bad about that, until, again, I went to Merriam Webster. 

Let’s remember, words have more than one meaning, as is the case here: 

: a feeling that you respect yourself and deserve to be respected by other people

: a feeling that you are more important or better than other people

: a feeling of happiness that you get when you or someone you know does something good, difficult, etc.

I relate my sense of pride to the last definition – a feeling of happiness.  I love to share my gardens, crafts and home with friends and family!  I love having them over to relax over a meal or simply a cup of coffee.  I love the look of delight on their faces when they open a handmade gift.   It gives me great pleasure and joy. 

https://winterlyrics.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/dont-be-too-hard-on-yourself-love-yourself-and-be-proud-of-everything-you-do-even-mistakes-mean-youre-trying/

However, I’m sure not all my motives are pure, which is why this Psalm is so important to remember:

http://dailyverses.net/psalms/51/10

This month I have been looking at the motives behind my actions.  

https://learningthewayofwisdom.wordpress.com/2014/02/10/prayer-whats-your-motive/

At the same time, however, I am also modifying my actions as I look at my motives.

I’m learning to be quiet instead of continuing an argument.

I’m learning to be still and know He is God.Psalm 46:10

I’m learning to begin facing extremely hurtful and difficult situations gently leaning on His everlasting arms.

I’m learning.

Dear Friend, this is my truth.