On our recent trip to Belize, I was standing in front a cage of 4 green parrots. I wanted to hear just what they sounded like... So, I kind of banged on their cage a wee bit. The response was pretty clear. Alot of flapping around and loud non-melodic calls! Wow! Not short on drama I'd say.
I was thinking about when my cage gets rattled. How do I respond? I would like to say that my response is not like those crazy birds! However, I have done my share of squawking and flapping - truth be told.
Well... opening our cell phone bill today did more then rattle my cage. They wanted almost $3000. for one month, for four phones. Only one phone has data even! How is this possible you ask?! It takes work let me tell you. I drove as sanely as possible to the nearest Bell store. My heart pounding. I got there, realized I forgot the bill. Drove home, heart still pounding. On the second trip to the store, I started to pray for wisdom and for peace. Then Psalm 26:1 " Vindicate me oh Lord!". I doubt the Psalmist had cell phone bills in mind, but, this was my prayer. By the time I finally found parking(one of the pleasures of living downtown), I walked for a few minutes to the store. Shed a few tears when I talked to the guy. I think I scared him. We have the bill down to just over $1100. now. They are still working on it. Happy to say , the mistakes are theirs' and not ours.
Fear is a poor leader. It brings out the worst in most people regardless of the situation. It can make you say crazy things or drive like a maniac. Neither are good. God is the Author of peace. When I took the time to pray on my second drive to the store, His peace did slowly seep into me. I was nice to the guy in the store. I am sure God was pleased I had to drive home to get the bill.... Sometimes I feel like He builds time to pray into my day! I can tell you, the guy at the Bell store needs to thank God I had to drive home a second time. I am not sure I would have been so nice!
When you hear stuff that strikes fear in your heart, consider your response. It is those moments you display for all watching just what you are made of.
In the bible , James 1:19 we read there that we need to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to become angry. If we could just stop, breathe, ask God for the wisdom needed for this situation, we might spend less time regretting words spoken out of hurt and raw emotion.
Its raining again here in Toronto. We have had a ton of grey rainy days for what seems like forever. In the same way, I choose to prepare to walk into pouring rain, we ought to prepare ourselves for each day.
That looks different for everyone. I think of it like getting my soul boots on. I don't know what my day holds, but God does. I seek Him each morning before my feet hit the floor. I give to Him my concerns for the day. I remember how much bigger He is than whatever I have to face that day. This has helped me many times over. I wish it was a recipe for no problems ever, but then that would not be living, right?
So, while I am waiting for my cell bill to reflect reality, I rest in God. I hope you will too with whatever is hanging heavy on your heart. God is for you and for me. He is on our side. We are loved by Him every day.
Have a great day no matter what!