Every day is a battle of our minds. I want to take each thought captive that pops into my head, from worry over my kids and my aging parents… to anxiety about kids and plans and finances. Even the daily struggle of controlling my tongue and thinking twice before I speak.
The day starts with best intentions, when someone pushes all my buttons, spoiling a great attitude and I wonder, “What happened!?” I don’t want to fall pray to old habits. I need a safe-guard. So, I came up with a little catch-phrase. I repeat to myself as a reminder of the mercy I’ve received and the mercy I need to extend. “There’s grace for them and there’s grace for me!” It’s a silent quick refocus.
I need grace, lots and lots of grace! And Jesus says I must offer that same grace to others. For the person who cuts in front of me in traffic, or the child who’s decided to gauge his ears, the forgotten instrument and the one who’s lost his library book… even myself, and all my flaws. I desperately need grace in my thoughts, in my words, in my actions.
Stopping the thought of anger or frustration or worry or anxiety before it takes root in my heart, needs a power beyond myself. I need a big God to remind me I’m small and not in charge. When I think of who He is and what He sacrificed for me, my thinking changes, my reactions change, my face changes and that speaks volumes!
LORD, make me a river of Your grace – as it races around me, I want to share it with others. You are BIGGER than all my silly thoughts. Be my safe-guard today. In Jesus name.
ForGlorySake! -Anna
