It happened at church. My family had come early, and as we walked down the hallway, a young mother tried to drop off her two-year-old at the nursery. The worker explained that unfortunately they couldn't take any children yet. The mother's reaction caught me by surprise. She swept her child into her arms, shouted "Thanks a lot!" and stormed off down the hall. I forced myself not to turn and watch her stomp away. I couldn't believe she got that upset because the nursery wasn't open. After all, she had shown up early! And why couldn't she wait a couple minutes? I was tempted to think less of her after that situation. A few uncharitable thoughts went through my head. But I reminded myself that I, too, have over-reacted to simple situations. If that had been me, I would want others to give me the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she had just been given really bad news. Maybe she'd been feeling sick all day. Maybe she had had trouble with that particular worker in the past. While … [Read more...]
Forgiveness IS Necessary!
For two and a half years I have harbored so much anger and resentment in my heart. I know it’s wrong. Believe me, I have tried to let it go, but it is always there, rearing its ugly head ever so often. Yes, I have a right to be bitter and angry. After all, my world has been torn upside down and ripped to pieces. Why should I forgive someone who probably doesn’t even realize they did anything wrong? Their child, if they even have one, is probably still playing and running and living a happy go lucky life. They have probably never had to go through anything close to what I am going through, and yet it was partly their fault! It is during these times that I hear God’s still small voice. “My child, forgiveness is not for their benefit. It is for you.” (Hello! Wake up call here!) Who am I hurting by not forgiving them? Certainly not them: they don’t even know they need me to forgive them! But it is MY blessings that I am delaying. And how can I feel the joy and peace of being the King’s … [Read more...]
The Daily – The Road to Peace, Joy and Happiness is Paved with Humility, Gentleness and Patience
Yesterday, we talked about praying, preferring, carrying and loving one another. There is so much more to it though. I am continuing the thought with gentleness, humbleness and patience. This is a topic we can assume we may think we are good at. However, are we really kind and gentle with one another? Really? Let's see what the Word says and then decide... Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. - Ephesians 4:2 (NLT) I would say that I fail miserably on a daily basis with this one. By all means, please stop reading if you have mastered Ephesians 4:2. :) For those of you who struggle with being humble, gentle and patient, let's dig deeper.. To be humble is to be; submissive, meek, unassuming, polite, not proud or arrogant and modest. To be gentle is to be; clement, peaceful, soothing, tender, lenient, merciful, mild, temperate, tame, quiet, and courteous. To be patient is to be; uncomplaining, … [Read more...]
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