…for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:29b-30

After a season of visiting with a counselor about a totally different matter, I began reflecting on some unhealthy habits I had. One such habit really stuck out -- letting certain significant people in my life manipulate me. I did not permit everyone to do it, just a few key people in my inner circle.  

On one hand, allowing others with selfish motives to influence me made my life easier or so I thought at the time. I just sat back, let them tell me what to do, and blindly did what they suggested. No decision making on my part, it gave me someone else to blame when things went wrong.  

On the other hand, while letting others manipulate me, to whose voice did I listen more – God’s or that of the manipulator? To whose voice did I give the most importance?

The people in my life who I permitted to get the best of me seemed pretty high maintenance kind of people. They felt they needed me to do things their way so their own purposes could be met. Maybe it helped their self-esteem. 

God, on the other hand, does have my best interest at heart. He is not selfish or manipulative. He desires the absolute best for me and gently leads me to make the right choices.   

Eventually, this bad habit became a burden I did not want to bear. I made a conscious decision to distance myself a bit from such people. I still care for them, but do so with loving caution and God’s help. Also with his help, I learned to say no if I really did not feel their way was necessarily appropriate for me. 

God, I so appreciate the rest you provide. I love your gentleness and humbleness. Your yoke is easy and your burden light. Thanks for walking though this journey with me.  

Susan P.