Keeping Your Cool
Refrain from anger and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. Psalm 37:8 (ESV)
ME: It is so easy for me to lose my cool—especially with the upcoming holiday season. Can You help me do a better job with this? I need reminders of where to find it.
JESUS: We have had this discussion so many times. And yes, you do need frequent reminders. You have a misconception that you are the only one with this issue. When you add into this season all the others who seem to have misplaced their “cool,” that is a problem.
ME: But Jesus, I seem to get torqued about the smallest and dumbest stuff…like being in a hurry and not finding the recipe that I need. Or, having gotten a gift for someone early in the year, only to realize that it doesn’t fit them now because they grew taller.
JESUS: These sound like some serious issues! Have you given any thought to the bigger picture? Maybe it is time to let Me show you a few things.
ME: Okay, but I still have things to get done and I am kind of in a time crunch.
JESUS: Stop! You are missing My point! Your anxiety is self-made and there are greater problems in your world. What about those who have no food to eat? Will your lost recipe help them? Those who are homeless do not even have a box in which to put recipes. You prattle on and on about your lack of peace but seldom seriously consider the needs of others.
ME: Ouch! Are You angry with me?
JESUS: No, not angry but I want you to hear yourself and see how you sometimes lack spiritual insight. This season is NOT about you. It is about Me!
ME: Can we just go back to the beginning of this conversation. Let me rephrase it. Thank You for all Your blessings. Help me to be more aware of those with less. Gently remind me that if I stay close to You, I will find more peace and joy to safely maintain my cool.
JESUS: That is much better!
ME: BTW, did You see when I flipped the pizza out of the oven onto the oven door last night? I did a pretty good job of keeping my cool—especially with three hungry boys waiting for dinner.
JESUS: (Laughing) Yes, you did, My child!