I (Ain't) Got The Joy Joy Joy?

What a rotten day! It wasn't really rotten because of the events of the day themselves, but more because of my attitude. You know what I did today? I let the little things of this life, this world, rob me of my joy today. How stupid. What a pitiful waste of my time and effort, just going through the day a grumpy curmudgeon.

My setup at work was broken. I had extra work to do that I didn't really think was that useful to do. I stayed later than normal and didn't go shoot baskets like I normally do these days. I scarfed down my dinner instead of really enjoying it. My daughter scratched a lady's car. Her response of "I'll have to look at it" instead of just letting it go got on my nerves.

My reactions to some of these were varied but not good. I was snappy at a co-worker who didn't deserve it at all -- a brother in Christ I like very much. I was stressed at the end of the day when I'm usually not. I didn't talk much to my wife. I rushed to get to AWANA. I was more controlling and snappy with my kids and didn't just chill out and enjoy their silliness and laughter.

What a bunch of garbage.

The events of the day are no excuse for letting my joy in the LORD get drained out of me! They are no excuse for the way I treated other people today. Today, more than most, I consider myself a failure at being salt and light.

It is no coincidence I think that in a tape by Chuck Smith I was listening to today, he retold a story I have heard him tell before on a different occassion. I remember it clearly because I thought it was odd he was telling the same story again. And it goes something like this...

He was just so happy in the LORD shopping at the local grocery store, thanking the LORD for the blessings in his life, when at the checkout, a man shoved right in front of him, cutting the line, smoking a nasty smelling cigar. Joy in the LORD, gone. Love your neighbor, gone. Kick your neighbor, on the rise. He wanted to shake the guy, tell him what's what, and shove that stinky cigar right down his throat.

I know the feeling.

But he handled it well. He refused to let junk like this keep his joy suppressed, left the line, and walked around getting his joy back. When he did and went back to the checkout, smelly cigar man was gone, and he was refreshed.

A very good message that I needed today. I intend to hit the streets for my Wednesday night run and get my joy back in just a few minutes. How dare I let it get squashed for so long today! I pray that next time it doesn't take me this long to realize what has happened.

I also pray that I'm a little more proactive about keeping my joy in tact. You know what I failed to do today? I failed to get into the word. I failed to start the day with the LORD in prayer. I had plenty of time before arriving at work. I had plenty of time at work. But I kind of shied away from the LORD today, trying to do this day all on my own. That worked out real good. Pfft. Bad human, no donut.

Praise our God of restoration, who loves us even when we're being stupid!

Grace, peace, and joy!