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Need An Attitude Tune-Up?
by Susan Gurney Read Proverbs 15:13, 15; Proverbs 17:22; Philippians 4:4; and James 5:13 "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22 (NIV) "Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise." James 5:13b (NIV) "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice." Philippians 4:4 (NIV) I have always had a problem taking myself--and life in general--too seriously. Because of this, I've always been one of those people who has difficulty knowing when someone is teasing me or "pulling-my-leg". I believe God has a definite (and sometimes ironic!) sense of humor. What else could explain the fact that in my lifetime God has blessed me not only with a father who loves to tease and play jokes, but also with a husband, a father-in-law, AND not one, but TWO pastors having those same tendencies?! In fact, if God has tried to teach me anything in my life and my marriage it is this: "Sue, lighten up and laugh at yourself!" The other day my husband and I were out for a walk. A lady was out caring for her yard of beautiful flowers. My husband stopped to look at the flowers and to comment aloud on how much he appreciated the lady's hard work--while I, on the other hand, tried to comment, look at the flowers, AND continue walking forward at the same time. I suddenly came to an abrupt halt as I crashed into my stationary husband! The lady laughed, my husband laughed--and although I was embarrassed (and felt stupid!)--I laughed, and am still laughing today about what a funny sight I must have been! Too many Christians think they have to be glum and serious all the time. Too many take themselves and life too seriously. Too many allow negative thoughts to drag down their attitudes. I believe God is trying to tell us in the above verses that we need to be happy--merry of heart and spiritand to let that joy bubble out onto (and into)--those around us. God--who made the giraffe, the platypus, the dachshund and all of us quirky people--also gave each of us a wonderful sense of humor for a reason. The world is full of enough serious and sad things as it is without us adding unnecessarily to the doom and gloom. Take a look at yourself today. Does God need to give YOU an attitude "tune-up"? Susan Gurney writes devotionals, poetry, short stories, memoirs, and nonfiction on family history, faith and nature. She has experience writing/editing church and family newsletters. Find Susan at http://ssimonsgurney.christianblogsites.com/blog/ Copyright 2013 Susan Simons Gurney Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |