“Watchout!” I jumped back as a little boy careened backward and tried to kick a bouncing football. Annoyance bubbled up inside me, as I looked at the spreading coffee stain on my new cream jacket. Fortunately, I didn’t have time to say anything to the child, as he raced off after the ball, oblivious to the minor accident he had caused.
“Why doesn’t someone keep those kids under control,” I muttered, sounding like my grandmother many years ago.
Later, I wondered why I had been so reactionary. After all, he was just a little child playing ball. He didn’t intend harm.
Jesus once warned his disciples that what came out of their mouths, the words they spoke, actually came from their hearts. Sure enough, I hadn’t given any thought to my reactions. They just spilled out, much like that coffee. If annoyance came out, that annoyance must have been inside me.
In Colossians 1:1, Paul says, “May you be filled with joy.” (NLT) If I’m full of joy, then when I’m knocked off balance, joy will spill out. If my heart is full of love, when a person or incident bumps me out of my comfort zone, I will react in love.
I resolved to be more careful with what I put into my heart in the future. I wanted to have a cup that overflowed with positive emotions. I wanted a cup full of joy.
Let's Pray: Loving Father, forgive me for the times my cup has overflowed in harmful ways. Please show me how to take in emotions that will bring healing and blessing to those around me, even when I’m knocked off balance.
Over to You: What emotion will you take in today?
Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.
Woman drinking coffee: Image courtesy of Dundee Photographics at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
thanks Shirley. Too often our first reaction to the unexpected is from our soul nature. It is never far from the surface. I'm grateful that the more I walk in step with the Lord, such soulish reactions are more likely to be held in check. However, I so glad God's grace and mercy don't have a use by date.
ReplyDeleteLOL! You're so right Ray. Praise God for His non-expiry date!
DeleteThanks, Shirley. That's an excellent verse to memorize. It can help us control our tongues better.
ReplyDeleteI used it last Sunday when our Filipino members ended up discussing whether it's a sin to eat blood. Those from the Ilocano regions, quoting the OT and Acts 15:20, teach that it is. The Tagalogs, quoting other NT verses, say it isn't. My husband is having a lesson on the issue this Sunday.
Pray that people remember this verse when they discuss on Sunday. Also, pray that they will heed 1 Cor 16:14 - "Do everything in love."
Wow, that's a challenge for you both. AMEN to 1 Cor 16:14. Thanks for sharing Karen.
Delete"Turn the corners of your mouth a little upwards, don't you know? If you keep a-smiling always, discontent ain't room to grow."
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother quoted this often and evidently lived by it. I seldom saw her lose her equanimity. I'm still working on it. Joy and contentment is a choice.
I wish I'd known your grandmother Judith! She must have been a real treat.
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