What plank?

Let me clarify. I'm not talking about a PLANK as in you're on the floor, sweating it out, strengthening your CORE as you shake like a leaf trying to hold form. (or is that just me shaking)...anyway.....

Although we should all do better at those wonderful exercises to strengthen our core, the plank that's on my mind today is the one in my own eye. It's likely in yours too if you choose to look a little closer.

It can be really hard to see... Your ego might be in the way, or often we can't see it because we're too busy blaming others, criticizing or comparing to someone or something, or just down right talking smack to feel better about ourself.

Life is hard. Gossip is exciting. Taking responsibility is difficult. Easier to blame than to accept responsibility. Easier to be fake than be genuine, exposed and real. Easier to have our daily mask on than to be vulnerable. I get it - I understand.

Matthew 7:3 says "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's (friends, parents, children, siblings, spouses) eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"

It's hard I know. Reality, awareness and responsibility are tough sometimes because GASP - we have to look at ourselves and internally evaluate.

What if we worry about ourself instead of judging another, or instead of gossiping or shifting blame elsewhere, consider it might just possibly need to come back your way.

What if instead of complaining, we just made a positive choice to love, forgive and move forward. What if we showed kindness where kindness wasn't being shown back.

Ohhhh awareness can be a double edged sword because once we are aware, we have a decision to change.

Isn't it time to be a better you. Isn't it time to let go of insecurities and stand on a firm foundation. You are a child of the most high, uniquely and wonderfully made - bask in that peace and when you're ready, you don't even have to remove the plank just yet - just be aware it's there.