Before I was fully awake I stumbled over a toy that my most recent house guests had left behind.
Moving forward regardless, even before I prepared the trace amount of caffeine I allow myself, I was fussing and fuming over something else – it doesn’t take much. I’m often amazed how, at my age and with my wealth of experience, even now I can go from quiet tranquility to untamable shrew in 4.0 seconds*.
As happens sometimes, something reminded me of a fragment of the dark, sad past. Today, instead of reminding myself that was then and this is now, and without the little dogs to remind me Someone is always listening, I soon forgot I’m not actually alone here.
Heartbeats later I gave voice to the thoughts blowing through my mind like the gale force winds that uprooted the tallest tree from the yard, and tore away half the roof on the hen house.
Yep, suddenly angry words busted outta me like a runaway train.
Annnd once again I soon came to appreciate another of the advantages of life here in Our Place: as I worked up to a full-blown rage over ancient history Jesus’ warning from Matthew came to mind – hitting me like a board across the face:
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”**
Like a muzzle check on a firing range, that advice shut my mouth and reset my reality in a heartbeat.
I no sooner confessed the open sewer line of thoughts I’d spewed into the air, asked forgiveness and then begged God to reverse any evil I caused, than the cottage radiated peace again.
With that, my latte and I found today’s place in Jesus Calling*.
Even now I am astounded by how, from the beginning of infinity God knew this morning was coming. Not only so, He also had His plan in place to comfort and help me – today and forever:
“When you focus on what you don’t have or on situations that displease you, your mind also becomes darkened. … You look for what is wrong and refuse to enjoy life until that is “fixed.”
When you approach Me [Jesus] with thanksgiving, the Light of My Presence pours into you, transforming you through and through…*” (Genesis 3:2-6; 1 John 1:7 ) Sarah Young
Thank God we can stop run-away brains – restarting from right here and now. Oh, and can we keep early today and the rest of our pasts between Jesus, us and these walls?
Thanks!
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
James 1:26 NIV
Featured Image courtesy Pixabay
2016 Camaro SS image courtesy of Jalopnik
*(c) 2004 by Sarah Young, Published by Thomas Nelson, Inc. , Nashville, TN, USA
**Matthew 12:36 (NIV)