It is very easy to react negatively to situations that anger, annoy or frustrate us. There are times when my little children would holler “Mama!” and I would catch myself thinking “What now?” That isn’t good now, is it? And so is letting the negativity affect our actions, words and the tone of our voice, thereby hurting the people whom we love the most. Who wants to be around grumpy and cranky people anyway? I don’t want to push them away. I feel guilty for losing my temper with my children and raising my voice at them sometimes. I really have a lot to learn about patience. Here’s what I do recently, I acknowledge that I was wrong, I hug them and I apologize to them for my angry outburst, telling them why I got mad. I also have to be conscious of not doing it again. Whenever they are throwing tantrums, whenever they want to have something done for them right away, whenever they won’t do what I tell them to do, I need to remember to keep calm and stay positive.
Matthew 6:34 (ESV)
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Being positive and staying positive takes more effort but every ounce is sure worth it. To keep calm and stay positive, it starts in the morning when I wake up and thank God I am still alive. Then, I look over at my babies sleeping beside me and thank Him again that I could take care of them myself, that even though I do not yet have everything I want, I have all that I need. I am learning that,
[Tweet “A continuous attitude of gratitude turns the negative into positive.”]
I said continuous because to stay positive is a decision I have to make many times, every day. I am trusting in the Lord to renew me each time, each day.
2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 (NIV)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Thank you for this reminder! Being mindful of one’s words is difficult but highly important. Sometimes I also say “WHAT?” and get all guilty about it. Better to not say that at all. :/
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I know! I especially need to be mindful of not just my words, but also the tone. It could be hurtful for them, too.