I'm in my fourth decade of life so I've experienced and survived rough and smooth waters. As I looked for a photo for today's blog, this one kept my attention. The Bible tells us to be joyful, even if life seems stormy. Do you find it easy or difficult to remain joyful and joy-filled during the storm?
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds..." James 1:2 | "Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" 1 Chronicles 16:11 |
If you are like me and attend church on a regular basis, you have probably listened as the pastor or priest talked about being joyful when life isn't going right, when tragedy strikes, and other terrible situations. Some will absorb this and safe it for a day when they feel the pain, loss, or torment associated with these things. Others might start an inward conversation of "You don't get it", "You are one to talk", or "It isn't possible". I was one of those nay-sayers earlier in my life.
I'm thankful to have a heart looking for the positive and instances of God's blessing and provision in all situations, regardless of how difficult it might be. I'm not perfect, there are instances when I am the nay-sayer instantly, then ask for forgiveness and get my "Polyanna" on (as my daughter calls it). Other times, times that are more common than the latter though, I find a positive.
Here is an example, my husband and I got up early and went to a Pop Warner flag football game yesterday so I could surprise one of my students by attending a game. Guess what, the surprise was on me, he didn't go to his game. I was C-R-A-N-K-Y. I was tired, hungry, and now annoyed because the day was not going as I planned. Do you get that, "I"? My husband said we could leave and come back for the 11 O'clock game but if I left, I wasn't returning.
I'm so glad we stayed! Ed bought me a slice of breakfast pizza and a drink from the concession stand and I took out my school bag and got some work done. We enjoyed conversation and talked about the week ahead. Since we didn't need to be engaged in the game, some bonding took place. I could have missed this positive if I remained cranky. It was a reminder, surprises can often surprise the giver more than the one receiving. Today I need to apologize to anyone I was grumbly with because this isn't the persona I want to share. I'm very thankful for my hubby, as he kept laughing at me. He is a roll-with-it kind of guy, unlike his goal oriented and pre-planned wife. LOL
I'm thankful to have a heart looking for the positive and instances of God's blessing and provision in all situations, regardless of how difficult it might be. I'm not perfect, there are instances when I am the nay-sayer instantly, then ask for forgiveness and get my "Polyanna" on (as my daughter calls it). Other times, times that are more common than the latter though, I find a positive.
Here is an example, my husband and I got up early and went to a Pop Warner flag football game yesterday so I could surprise one of my students by attending a game. Guess what, the surprise was on me, he didn't go to his game. I was C-R-A-N-K-Y. I was tired, hungry, and now annoyed because the day was not going as I planned. Do you get that, "I"? My husband said we could leave and come back for the 11 O'clock game but if I left, I wasn't returning.
I'm so glad we stayed! Ed bought me a slice of breakfast pizza and a drink from the concession stand and I took out my school bag and got some work done. We enjoyed conversation and talked about the week ahead. Since we didn't need to be engaged in the game, some bonding took place. I could have missed this positive if I remained cranky. It was a reminder, surprises can often surprise the giver more than the one receiving. Today I need to apologize to anyone I was grumbly with because this isn't the persona I want to share. I'm very thankful for my hubby, as he kept laughing at me. He is a roll-with-it kind of guy, unlike his goal oriented and pre-planned wife. LOL
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