A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. – Proverbs 15:18
We live in a frustrating world. Unfortunately, that frustration can sometimes make us a little hot under the collar. As a result, we may need to seek help from God to allow us to view life and others in a calm manner. Sometimes only supernatural intervention can prepare us to face our days and the people who fill them.
In a society where we are programmed daily to look out for number one, most people don’t share the idea that others’ needs might be more important than our own. While we often believe God expects more than that of us, it is not easy to live our lives exhibiting a servant’s heart.
From yielding a parking spot to sharing the abundance with which God has blessed you, learn to be patient with others who truly may be more needy than you. Once you start living life in this manner, it becomes much easier than you ever imagined it would be! The key, of course, is simply to start.
Adapted from the Discover & Respond 40 Day Devotional (http://fh.org/40daysdevotional). Photo by Jennica Reis, used with permission.
I was driving to the store the other day when some guy pulled from the far most lane and cut me off as he swerved through the turn lane and into the parking lot in front of me, I turned behind him and he slammed his breaks as he made a turn into the gas station. My first thoughts weren’t pleasant, but as he ran from the car into the gas station, I thought What if he is in some sort of emergency?
I don’t know what was happening in his life or why he decided to cross two lanes of traffic and cut me off, but it was likely something. When people are purposefully rude, or just careless, I remind myself that I don’t know the circumstances of their life or the stresses they may be under.
On our list of family rules there is a simple acronym: JOY.
Jesus
Others
Yourself
We teach our children: we put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last.
For these 40 days, I’m focusing on how I can put others first. I’m focusing on JOY and how I can make sure the proper order is followed in my own life.
Will you join us?
You can join us by following #fhbloggers on Twitter and Facebook. The best way to join us and show a father’s love is to sponsor a child. Your monthly support impacts the life of the child and the community to help mend broken relationships and solve poverty and hunger at its core. We have a surprise for those who sponsor a child in Guatemala over the next 30 days – just forward your receipt email with your sponsored child on it to Lindsey Nobles and we’ll send you a special gift.
