It's Always Too Early To Throw a Fit

Ever jump to conclusions?

Funny how quick the mind is to see a certain perspective based on feelings, past experiences, and pre-conceived notions. Other factors make our launch platform a little springier as well – physical exhaustion or pain, hunger, hormonal imbalances, impatience – the list could go on.

Most people are 100% more reactionary than I am. For a lot of reasons, I have trouble wearing my heart on my sleeve, going off the handle or telling what I really think. I’m a classic wallflower when it comes to emotions. I’ve already noted here on Dry Ground, I don’t like to cry, or even admit to crying, at movies. I mean, you’re talking to the girl who didn’t shed a tear at her wedding! It’s not that I don’t care, of course, I just don’t communicate feelings unless I’m sitting in front of a piece of paper with a pen in hand.

So when I do have a tangible, observable reaction to anything, something’s up.

Often, it involves jumping to a conclusion.

This could also be defined as listening to the wrong voice, believing a lie, tunnel vision, or not waiting long enough to get the whole story.

I had an episode like this recently, the one I mentioned Friday about lamenting the course of my entire life. Although I worked through it and made decisions to buck up and not quit, I discovered an even greater lesson as facts unfurled.

The Lord showed me specifically that He has me exactly where He wants me doing exactly what He wants me to. He showed me that no matter how I feel, He’s working in and through me, accomplishing exactly what He wants to.

I wish I could share more details, but I can’t. What I can say is that the exact thing I thought I had failed at had made someone’s day.

Obviously, I had thrown my fit way too early.

I was too concerned about how successful I thought my life was going instead of “seeking first His kingdom,” glorifying God and letting Him determine my worth.

You never know how your faithfulness, talents, smile, hard work or encouraging words minister to people. Sometimes you get to find out, like I did this past weekend. Either way, people are what’s important, not personal score cards. If you’ve put a smile on someone’s face today, then I’d say that you’ve had a successful day.

So… no matter what happens, even if it appears traumatic and devastating, don’t expend energy on that fit, don’t jump to a faulty conclusion, trust that God is working through all things for your good and the good of others, accomplishing His will. Wait and see what He does. You’ll be amazed, humbled, grateful and released from the stress listening to the wrong voice causes.

Happy Monday, Dry Ground friends! Be Blessed!

(photos by photobucket.com)