Character Stretching

Some days you know are meant to stretch your character. Apparently, today is one of those days for me.

This morning began with a trip into town to bring my son to his driver's education class. On the way there, we discussed making choices about how you can respond to different situations. In particular, what to do if someone is tailgating you and it is making you nervous. A very good example was then provided.

I thought the discussion went very well. We discussed what responses he could give on an exam if this question came up-things like let the person in a hurry pass or pull over but we also discussed what I like to do...pray for the person and for whatever reason they have that is making them drive in a dangerous way.

Usually I add something to the effect of please let them back off or realize the situation and keep them safe. If I'm feeling particularly threatened due to weather or road conditions, I might add please protect us all by surrounding us with extra guardian angels. Every time when I've prayed in this manner the person has either backed off or passed or turned and within minutes the situation is resolved. Of course, I then happily pray a heartfelt thanks be to God.

Oh, discussing this was all fine and dandy, but applying it in other areas is apparently what I needed to work on today.

When we arrived at the school, I realized I had left the house without my purse. This meant I had no cell phone, money or identification. It also meant I had to go back home instead of what I had planned to do. My morning plans had been totally flipped on end.

By my own words, my first response should have been to pray about the situation and act accordingly. Did I do that? I'm embarrassed to say-no, I didn't. In fact, I did the exact thing I just told my son not to do-I got angry. Thankfully, if was just a short burst and I came quickly to my senses and put things right.

Even if we know how to respond and want to do the right thing- just because we are Christians doesn't mean we won't make mistakes and do things we shouldn't do. In our human condition, we mess up-sometimes in big ways-but there are some things to keep in mind.

1. We will make mistakes -everyday and many times during the day
2. Forgiveness is important-forgive yourself, others and ask for forgiveness, if necessary
3. If you recognize that you've made a mistake or if one has been pointed out to you-challenge yourself to correct yourself or to stop doing that action or do something proactive instead when it happens the next time.
4. Put it in God's hands. There have been times when I have felt I have done all I could do about a situation but I continued dwelling on the problem when what I really needed to do was let it go.

Easy to say-hard to do. Perhaps not. In retrospect, it was actually quite easy to do...but getting to that realization was difficult. It is as easy as saying...God, I give this situation to you, do what you will with it. Thank you. Love ya! Amen.

See-easy.

The next little incident that popped up this morning that could have been very frustrating, I caught myself and I didn't get angry. I'm hoping I don't have too many more surprises today but if I do I will hopefully make the right choice about the situation. I'm challenging myself to try.

Lol- my son just came in with a picture of a snake in a tree...how symbolic is that? The temptation is there to react rashly instead of trusting God and considering the options.

May you meet the challenges of your day with prayer and pray always and in all things.

JulieD