My Small Step
Last night Hugh and I were having a disagreement about laundry and dishes.
“Let’s take a break. This conversation isn’t going well at all.” Hugh said.
I knew what I wanted to do. I knew where I wanted to go.
Only one place could make me feel better. One place whose aisles are filled with things I need and things I want.
Target.
Of course.
I started to get dressed and grab my keys. “This will make me feel better,” I thought.
Then I stopped. I felt the restraint of the Holy Spirit as I remembered that “the love of Christ controls me (2 Corinthians 5:14).”
I repeated it over and over under my breath – “the love of Christ controls me…controls me” – as I stood in the hall.
And.
I didn’t go to Target! Woo hoo! Instead, I headed upstairs with a book and cooled down.
One small step for Jess, one giant step for our budget.
I don’t know if there is anything I like better in life than to see God changing me. Or somebody else. Thanks for sharing!
Woo-hoo!!
another triumph for the kingdom! hooray!
Oh, girl, I’m right there with you!!! That’s my first thought too when I’m upset and overwhelmed. However, now God has put me in a place where there is no Target. And I find myself thinking, “If only I could go to Target, I would feel so much better!” But, of course, He is teaching me to come to Him instead. So glad to hear that you are conquering your inner need to consume, but instead are wanting to BE consumed – by the love of God.
GO Jess! I’ve been craving some Target time myself.
Yay!! Good job! I did the same thing a few weeks ago, not to Target but I just wanted to leave & go away somewhere, and my ‘happy place’ is the beach so I’m sure that’s where I would have ended up. I’ve only left in the middle of an “issue” once before, but this was going to be #2. I already had one kid loaded in the carseat and I stood in the doorway… my husband saying “don’t leave”, and slowly (with a tail between my legs kind of feeling) unloaded baby and came back in the house… it didn’t feel good but it was the right thing to do, and it was best. sorry for long rambling pointlessness! Basically wanted to say Yay Jess, and Yay Holy Spirit
Way to go! You are really walking this stuff out!
Makes it look possible for me…you know, listening and OBEYING the Holy Spirit. 
Bravo Jess!
Love reading thru your blog as you live your life for Christ.
Did I tell you that we have used the ABC book with our kids, too, for learning Bible verses? (where are you in church??)