Thankful Thinking

It was raining cats and dogs and hippos out there. We had a flood warning for days. There were multiple accidents on the radio, thankfully none of them impeding my journey to work. I arrived safe, dry and a little early.

See how I did that?

I found something to be thankful for.

Finding things to be thankful for is sometimes hard for me. I take on other people’s things deeply, and even when I pray it’s hard to focus. Focusing on being thankful is important to me as a wife, mom, Mimi, and friend. It’s my best witness to others for hope and faith.

I have to say, being thankful does give me a warm fuzzy feeling on occasion. I am thankful for this reassurance. I know humanity was created in the image of God, and I like to think he whispers to me when I need it most. He also leaves me to be still when I am restless. I have no real disappointment in him. He provides me with good things to give thanks for when I can’t come up with them myself.

As humans, we have the tendency to always see the worst-case scenario. There is not much to look at past this one bad or awkward moment. When there is an accident, incident or drama, our emotions rule our response. But what if they didn’t?

What if, instead of immediately responding to whatever strikes us, we stop, think, pray and calm?

What if we walk away instead of reacting in circumstances which are probably out of our control in the first place?

How can we as individuals make the decision to stop a cycle of argument, hurt or drama?

By asking questions we can solve problems more efficiently for ourselves. We must think logically, repressing our emotion for a moment. This doesn’t mean we aren’t crying or hurt or ashamed. It simply means we are making a logical well thought out decision on how to move forward.

Who is involved?

                     Are they close to us or are they passing acquaintances?

What are the facts?

       Is this a true situation, or is this something we are emotional about?

When is a good time for resolution?

Not everyone is capable of handling things right away.

Sometimes we need space and time to recover from situations.

Where do we begin with ourselves, so we can move forward and be helpful to others?

Why are we pursuing resolution?

Being right is not the answer. Being merciful, humble and faithful are good places to start.

We can practice what we believe to be good and true by starting with ourselves. We can be thankful for the great things which happen, and for the opportunity to respond with mercy, love, and grace when they don’t.

 

Colossians 2:6-7

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,  rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

 

XOXO