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All in A Rut

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The definition of a rut, according to Google dictionary, is as follows.

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Rut -

1. a long deep track made by the repeated passage of the wheels of vehicles.

2. a habit or pattern of behavior that has become dull and unproductive but is hard to change.

 

I suppose you did not need me to define it for you.  Most people who entertain talk about ruts either have been in one or are currently in one.  They know that even though it does not appear to take long to land in a rut, the way out is gradual.  It takes longer for light to emerge than it did for darkness to envelop. There is a way out of it, even though it may feel as if there is not.  The way out is through. Rarely is one airlifted out of a rut, usually some kind of change or effort must occur inside the rut. You do not have to like every moment of your life to live it.  I have yet to enjoy being in a rut, but I have yet to not come out of one. A rut is something you are meant to pass through, not become. Find something you can smile about, from the rut. Smiles help.  If you can not smile, laugh. When you laugh you will smile, at least for a second, which will allow you to remember what life outside the rut is like. Find something you can enjoy, even while in the rut.  Live vicariously until the smile becomes yours. There is always hope, even in a rut. The tracks of discouragement may be deep, Go d’s grace is deeper. Any change, even the smallest change, changes something, and that changes everything.  So next time you find yourself in a rut, pray for change. A slight shift to the left. A slight shift to the right. Make up your mind to move, even if it is only one quarter of an inch. Eventually your heart will follow. And when you get out of the rut, make new tracks.  Here are some ideas for starters.  

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“Whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” 

Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

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No matter how often you repeat some passages they will not land you in a rut, but rather take you around the bend to new hope.  If you are human, you may still hit a rut here or there. When you live in a fallen world, some ruts are unavoidable. Do what you can.  And if that is not working, can what you do. Welcome change in the right direction, no matter how small. Life is too short to live all in a rut!  

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