Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. And cultivate thankfulness. Colossians 3:15 (Message)
Hello Friend,
Good morning! Did you awake to chaos? Are there children running around screaming about lost socks or missing homework? Is the TV blaring? Maybe you and a family member are quarreling? Or, perhaps you are dreading a work situation that has your stomach tied in knots. Do you find it difficult to feel that quiet, restful, peace of Christ amidst your daily life? Are you in-step with your family, friends, or co-workers? One way to cultivate that blessed relief from our stressful existence is to “cultivate thankfulness.”
REALLY? How can I be grateful for this mess? Change your thoughts! Choose your feelings? This is a silly, but very real example from my own life. Jim is a quiet man. Many mornings I come downstairs and find him sitting in the dark with his cup of coffee and just enjoying the solitude—which I then interrupt with my continuous ramblings. And Jim loves his remote. He finds great delight in watching 15 programs at once, flipping wildly between commercials, while I prefer to watch just one program at a time. This could be a cause of extreme pressure in our home. However, I choose to read a good book or write during his viewing time. And, my heart just sings, when I come into the room and he hits the “mute” button. Or, depending on the program, the “pause” button. I get his full attention for the moment. He will read my latest devotional and offer his critique. Or, he will briefly discuss the menu for dinner or comment on whatever topic is on my mind at the moment. His TV viewing time is not the opportunity for a heart-to-heart on a burning issue in our marriage or the news or whatever. This is a “pause” in his time for me and I am grateful. And the “peace of Christ” reigns in our house.
What adjustment do you need to make in your thinking to create the peace that you so desire? Can you praise God that those unruly children are healthy? Can you be grateful for your job amidst rampant unemployment—even if, at times, your boss is a tyrant? Can you be thankful for a husband who hits the “pause button?” Choose an attitude of gratitude! And enjoy the peace.
Affirmation: I now take charge of my emotions and my life. I choose peace.
Thanking God for being “in step” with Jim, Linda
Hello Friend,
Good morning! Did you awake to chaos? Are there children running around screaming about lost socks or missing homework? Is the TV blaring? Maybe you and a family member are quarreling? Or, perhaps you are dreading a work situation that has your stomach tied in knots. Do you find it difficult to feel that quiet, restful, peace of Christ amidst your daily life? Are you in-step with your family, friends, or co-workers? One way to cultivate that blessed relief from our stressful existence is to “cultivate thankfulness.”
REALLY? How can I be grateful for this mess? Change your thoughts! Choose your feelings? This is a silly, but very real example from my own life. Jim is a quiet man. Many mornings I come downstairs and find him sitting in the dark with his cup of coffee and just enjoying the solitude—which I then interrupt with my continuous ramblings. And Jim loves his remote. He finds great delight in watching 15 programs at once, flipping wildly between commercials, while I prefer to watch just one program at a time. This could be a cause of extreme pressure in our home. However, I choose to read a good book or write during his viewing time. And, my heart just sings, when I come into the room and he hits the “mute” button. Or, depending on the program, the “pause” button. I get his full attention for the moment. He will read my latest devotional and offer his critique. Or, he will briefly discuss the menu for dinner or comment on whatever topic is on my mind at the moment. His TV viewing time is not the opportunity for a heart-to-heart on a burning issue in our marriage or the news or whatever. This is a “pause” in his time for me and I am grateful. And the “peace of Christ” reigns in our house.
What adjustment do you need to make in your thinking to create the peace that you so desire? Can you praise God that those unruly children are healthy? Can you be grateful for your job amidst rampant unemployment—even if, at times, your boss is a tyrant? Can you be thankful for a husband who hits the “pause button?” Choose an attitude of gratitude! And enjoy the peace.
Affirmation: I now take charge of my emotions and my life. I choose peace.
Thanking God for being “in step” with Jim, Linda
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