There are days when I get grumpy, because I wanted the last bowl of Frosted Flakes, or someone got most of the hot water in their shower before I did, or I have to work in the yard when I'd like to be researching debate cases. That's when I find a quite spot, open my Bible, and read this kind of stuff to myself:
"... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked..." (Ephesians 2:1-2)
And then I focus on how much I have to be thankful for in my life. Not just my loving family, my nice house, my awesome friends, or my healthy body. I can rejoice in this:
"... but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
It's such a simple, often repeated verse. But the message I get from this verse is powerful: how can I be grumpy about anything when I am loved by the God of the universe?
As a side note, I just found out that my name means "joyful." What a joke. I'm such a moody person. I am defined by what is going on around me, instead of by who I am in Christ. So! Next big thing to work on: being a joyful person.
True that. You should not be moody, you're Thaddeus Flippin' Bradley. What do you really have to be sad about? Give me one legitimate reason that you have a right to be a grump. Your betterment in other areas is great, but what does it help if you don't give us a smile?
ReplyDeleteWell, we know where you stand on the issue.
ReplyDeleteNo but seriously, you're right.