"just"

Collapsed into bed on Saturday after a very long day. When we arrived back in Denver @ 5pm, Brenda called to confirm we were all going to Casa Bonita for dinner. Jeremy and Darryl had not been there in mega years after they moved to Sarasota as kids. Before they left for home Sunday, the guys wanted to go there to see if it was how they remembered it. 15 of us and we had a good time. It's funny some of the things we do after funerals. Good, too, I guess but odd to some. After Michelle passed away, Mike. Jeff, and I went to Coors brewery. I think Jeff took us there just to get us out of the house after everyone left. After the brewery we drove to Blackhawk to the casinos. We met Becky and Cory there. I felt strange but it was to be a diversion of sorts. the day before after her internment, most of the family went to Senor Rick's for lunch and a FAT TIRE in honor of Michelle. After Jim passed away, the whole family went to the beach for a picnic and swimming. It was a great way to be with family but again strange. I guess it is no different than a wake. Ramblings! Sunday was truly a day of rest.

But before we left for Casa Bonita, I was thinking and what popped into my head was the worf "just". It has so many meanings. The meaning that I was thinking was the one that means 'merely or only" - a very derogatoy use to me. I am just a housewife. I am just an employee. I am just...
Does that connotation show lack of self-esteem, or is it the truth? Why can't we just say: I am a housewife. I am an employee. I am a... If we believe God has put us where we are and if we are living obedient lives and living our lives to His honor and glory, should we not say this with conviction and pride (not the bad pride)? Why do we belittle ourselves and others when we include the adverb "just"? Not only are we to lift each other up, we are to rejoice in who God has made us. We can do things to better ourselves - I believe God puts us in a continous state of metamorphosis as long as we stay in His Word, pray and meditate on Him. He gives us the Holy Spirit to work in us daily. Christ is seated at His right hand to intercede for us. God has given us everything we need if we simply follow Him.

Would we ever say, "I am just a child of God." ? NO! We should be saying, "I AM a child of God!"

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again, I say rejoice.