3rd Time Charm
The third time’s supposed to be the charm. In my case, I’m going to need more times than three for a charm to work on my stubborn heart.
See my featured image above? It’s a lie. Sadly, my attitude is worse off than my body. Therein lies the rub.
James 5:6 says we are to confess our sins to one another – that is – hold one another accountable.
Thankfully, I’ve had people in my life through the years who do just that.
This is a katharsis moment and a confessional.
Have you ever met a grumpy old lady? I think that has pretty much described me lately. Somewhere along the line, I’ve let the disappointments of life and the dread of some upcoming trials get the best of me.
I was reminded a few weeks ago to count my blessings when I met a lovely woman who has been in a wheelchair since her childhood. My wobbling around with a cane shouldn’t be that big a deal. My gratitude factor should have soared as I compared our lifestyles.
A dear friend who was recently diagnosed with a life-threatening cancer encouraged me to embrace old age and enjoy each day for what it is. My problems should become minuscule in light of her trauma.
Another person whom I deeply respect has been concerned about my mental health. The problem is, I’ve always been a wee bit on the crazy, perky side. Now, I’m on the crazy, grumpy side. My somber attitude worries him. For that, I am genuinely sorry.
So now I’ve confessed the problem – aka wrongdoing. So what’s next?
The problem with confession is it only goes so far. Without going a few more steps in a better direction, confessing does nothing but expose my weakness of character.
In Biblical terms, I think the next step would be repentance. Every site I consulted repeated what I’ve heard often from the pulpit – Repentance is more than regret. It involves a complete turn from whatever wrong we are committing and then following a correct path of behavior.
So here’s my emotional to-do list:
- Have a come-to-Jesus meeting to ask forgiveness for being ungrateful
- Thank God for my life, its opportunities and blessings
- Let the joy of the Lord be my strength
- When asked, be honest (within very limited limits!) about how I feel
- Uplift others with my attitude
- STOP BEING A GRUMPY OLD LADY!!!
Yowza!!! That’s a harder to-do list than any I’ve ever written!
Both Matthew and Luke tell of Jesus speaking these words, ‘Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.’
Guess I better get going on my list.
Blessings
Kara Beth
