The Summer Day

I'm in a hurry.  I'm behind.  My kids are late, which frustrates me.  We had plans over my lunch break, but my time's limited.  I am stressed, and I'm angry.  When I'm in this frame of mind, I can't be productive.  It is so distracting.  

As I waited on my kids, I wondered if I could make a living off of gardening.  Growing plants seems so peaceful and I wouldn't have to wait on people to show up on time over my lunch.  I wonder if I could find a way to sell plants instead of doing my job?

I feel like a horrible person for being in a bad mood.  But, regardless, the kids are still late, so even thought I feel bad I'm mad again.  Don't they respect my time?  Don't they understand I'm busy and stressed out?  Why can't they just get it together?

I sat down on an outdoor patio chair and had a thought.

Is this problem really deserving of my peace?  

The truth is, I wasn't behind, I just convinced myself I was.  If the kids were running late, well, then they're late.  Should it really make me this upset?  Why am I handing my peace over, especially over something so small?

I looked around.  It was a beautiful day.  I looked around and noticed the blue sky.  I felt the Lord nudge me.

Do you like the day I have created?

I smiled.  My stress began to fade.  It it summer, I reminded myself, which means fun and relaxation.  It is a season, and my kids aren't lazy.  They're just enjoying the season.  They may have been late, but they still cared enough to spend time with me over my lunch hour.

You know, God looks at the heart.  The Bible tells us this in 1 Samuel:

1 Samuel 16:7 ESV 

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

I thought about how my kids had the most wonderful hearts.  God cares more about intention than punctuality.  I was unwise to let a few minutes of time distress me.  

My kids showed up, apologizing for being late.  We had a nice time together over lunch, and they talked to me about their plans for the day.  I'm so glad God got ahold of me before they arrived so I could fix my behavior.

Do not let the demands of the day steal your joy.  Work, rest, worship and play all need to have their place in your life.  Slow down.  Take a breath.  Inhale God's peace.  His calm will restore your mind, soul, and soothe your distress.  

These types of things happen, especially if you're a parent.  But, it is important to shake off these incidents and forgive immediately.  It is not worth carrying around anger and stress over little things.  Your resources are limited, don't spend them on anger, frustration, and unforgiveness.

You deserve joy.  You deserve to enjoy the seasons of your life.  Every day doesn't (and shouldn't) look the same.  

Enjoy the beautiful, peaceful day the Lord has made.