Photo Credit: sleepyjeanie/Creative Commons
Oh, my goodness! The negativity that abounds!
Negative Nancys and Downer Dans seemed to be out in full force this week.
For example:
At a four-way stop in town. The gentleman who rolled through it and then shook his head at the remaining cars who were there first.
At the check-out when I bid the cashier a good day. Her reply? “Yep. Can’t get much worse.”
In a store parking lot. Two shoppers vied for the same parking place and one lost. And got upset.
On the freeway as two lanes merged. The driver who was supposed to yield to oncoming traffic and didn’t. Then gestured as he blew past other cars.
At the restaurant after church. Our waitress may have smiled once. But not at us.
I thought about these folks this week and wondered why they were so miserable.
Maybe it’s the day and time we’re living in. Maybe it’s the disconnect from life in general. Maybe it’s because of cancer. Divorce. Job loss. Financial strain. Hurt. Hardship. Fear. It could be a thousand reasons or only one. One thing that’s challenging their mindset. One thing that’s stunting growth.
Granted, some of this muck is really huge. Then there are those things–the smaller ones–that we nurture and tend. The gardens of jealousy, discontent, and stubbornness.
Regardless, the enemy likes to use whatever he can to steal, kill, and destroy positivity. It’s his mission to create upset and mayhem.
When we’re aware of this, we can better prepare for his plan of attack. We needn’t sit around and dwell on what could happen; we can start our day fully armed. We can thwart his spiritual tug-of-war by throwing in a few kinks of our own.
In the glovebox of my car, I carry a New Testament. Just knowing I have God’s word at hand when I’m out and about gives me comfort. Of course, we know our Heavenly Father is always guiding, guarding, and directing us, but having tangible proof in scripture grants that extra peace.
As I think about Jesus and His ministry here on earth, I’m overwhelmed. Whatever I’ve done for His kingdom pales poorly in comparison to what He accomplished in 33 short, miraculous years.
Which leads me to another thought.
Isn’t it time we quit…
our whining?
our backbiting?
our crying over spilled milk?
Isn’t it time we quit…
thinking small?
acting small?
and causing others to feel small?
And isn’t it time we quit shouldering some of this “junk” alone and give it to God?
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What’s something we tend to hold onto despite trusting God?
Do you think we sometimes give Him a burden only to take it back again?
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Photo Credit: sleepyjeanie/Creative Commons
Happy Friday and Blessings Always,
Comments 16
“Do you think we sometimes give Him a burden only to take it back again?”
Absolutely. For a long time, I had the words “Cast all my cares” written on the big markerboard in my writing room. Because I needed the constant reminder. No matter how often I surrendered a care to Him, I always found myself picking it back up again.
Author
Melissa, I think we all could say the same thing.
Worry, for instance, is a big culprit for many of us, and when big things rock our world, it’s easy to take that one back. I find I have to stay immersed in God’s word to keep worry at bay.
I know in my life I’ve kept the burden of protecting and worrying over my children and not relying on God to take care of them. He’s taught me through several painful experiences that He’s in control and loves them more than even I do.
Way to go today, Cindy! So encouraging!
Author
Jess, is there any other burden greater than worry (for mothers)? It took a life-or-death health crisis with one of our children to help me realize how small I am and how BIG God is! He had everything under control when I felt like my entire world was about to fall apart. For me, that was a catalyst. I’ve been in the pit and I was forced to relinquish every shred of control I thought I had. It made it easier (but still not easy) to give it to God because there was nothing else I could do.
I keep an old, small, New Testament & Psalms in my purse. I picked it up at a church rummage sale. I love this old book. It was probably somebody’s back in the 1960’s. I pull it out to read when I need it, and sometimes when I’m waiting…at the doctor, at the BMV, even at my breaks at work.
Inspiring post, Cindy. Sometimes I’m so tired of worrying, waiting, whining, and crying over the spilled milk. I had already given it to Him, only to take it back and wear myself out.
Author
Loree, because we’re human, we tend to repeat the same ol’ things. Sometimes, I write down the burdens I’m carrying (it coincides with my prayer list) and it feels better just putting those things down in black and white. For some reason, it’s easier for me to relinquish them to God that way.
Side note: Remember when the Gideons delivered beautifully bound New Testaments to us as school children? Some of my little friends clasped them immediately to their chests like they were gold. I realize now that, for some of my classmates, those were probably the only introduction to God and Jesus they ever had. Can you imagine Bibles being passed out to classrooms today?
“Isn’t it time we quit…
thinking small?
acting small?
and causing others to feel small?”
Taking this challenge into the day with me, Cynthia.
Author
Beth, me too! I wrote that for myself, as well. Burdens shouldn’t hinder us and defeat shouldn’t bind us. And may we always look through Jesus’s eyes when we meet others who are hurting.
Cindy, this is so beautiful and well said. Whenever I come across an angry person, I’m always curious what’s really going on in their life. I know from experience that when I’m crabby with my family it usually has nothing to do with the issue we’re fighting about, but something deeper that I’m not trusting God with, or something I’m angry about with another person or situation. Your blog is an excellent reminder that I need to let God have my struggles, fears, frustration and anger – so I can be a better person.
Author
Gabe, you hit the nail on the head. I think deeper issues are so often at the root of our heartache. Praise God, He sees beyond our fractured hearts and repairs, refines, and renews us when we “let go” of some of the junk.
I think I needed to read this today.
Author
Shellie, so glad it blessed you! Thrilled to have you stop by!
I didn’t realize how behind I’ve gotten on blog reading! Thanks for pointing out these chance meetings with people. This behavior abounds. Makes me pause and consider, to take extra caution to not be numbered among them.
Author
Patti, your sweet spirit warms my heart! 🙂
I loved that post, especially the call to stop thinking and acting small! For some reason I think of Paul’s words: “and such were some of you, but…”(1 Cor.6:11). What we think affects how we act, doesn’t it?
I find that if I can “keep in step with the Spirit” I can see that the burden or trial I am experiencing is an opportunity. An opportunity to see God at work. An opportunity to share His grace with someone else. An opportunity to have my rough edges smoothed out just a bit more.
Thank you for taking the time to share!
Author
Dawn, Paul is one of my favorite heroes. When I think of all he endured for the sake of Christ, I’m humbled beyond words.
How wise you are to view life’s trials as opportunities! Thanks so much for stopping by.