There are few things that steal my joy like conflict does. It saps my energy and creativity, and turns me into a negative person with a "Can't Do" attitude.
I can't serve you.
I can't listen to your tales of woe.
I can't clean up after you.
I can't help you.
I can't say anything nice.
I can't think good thoughts.
We've had a little bit of conflict going on the past few days, my man and me. It's better now, but I'd volunteered my husband for a project that he has absolutely no time for and it created a mess. I tried to fix it, smooth it over, make nice, but it was what it was and that wasn't good. And it's funny how when one thing goes wrong, it makes everything else go bad too. My failures have been racking up and it's hard to get out from under them once they start to snowball.
How about you? Are you struggling to find your joy today? Let's do a couple of Small Things together and then step out with a little bit of faith that God can do something good.
First, let's remember that we are in a spiritual battle. As I was grumbling and stewing the other day, I was suddenly convicted that I was doing EXACTLY what Satan wants me to do: blame others and feel sorry for myself. I'm good at both of those and don't need much help in those departments, so when he gives me just a little push in that direction, I fall right in like a dope.
Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Second, let's earn some points by planning some joy. Today's Small Thing (for points) is to take out your calendar and find a small pocket of time to do something fun for yourself. If you can't make something joyful happen today, at least you will have something penciled in that will give you something to look forward to.
Some ideas: see a movie, paint your toenails, go out for lunch, watch a chick movie, go out for coffee with a friend, read a book. I am going to call a friend and set up a girlfriends movie date. There are a couple of chick movies I'd like to see and it will be great to see that written on my calendar.
POINTS: 30 for penciling in something that will give you joy!
