In the scope of life, most of our
daily trials are trivial matters. It is amazing how the most insignificant
things in life trip us up! If we’re to lead a peaceful, productive, enjoyable life,
we’ve got to handle the “small stuff” right.
There was a time when I used to get so
sucked up in the small stuff. I was a petty thinker. I used to be controlling. I
meddled in other people’s business. I was trying to fix the world while my own
world was crumbling down. It’s almost embarrassing to think of myself that way.
Thank God for His grace and mercy. I’m a living proof that it works! I may not
be where I need to be but I’ve come a long way. When we disengage ourselves from the small cares of the world, we will
have time, effort and energy to focus on building life.
Every day, before we wake up, God
gives us a measure of energy and grace to deal with that day. If don’t use our
resources wisely we’re going to lack when we need it the most. We cannot allow
the small things in life dictate us and rule over our emotions.
At home, how many wars are fought over
small issues? I’ve learned it is better to have peace than to be right. If the
groceries need to be put away don’t shout for help; just do it. If the keys are
missing on a regular basis – help out your spouse by assigning a specific place
for it. If the drawers are left open – just close them. If office supplies are
not returned in its perfect spot – go get it yourself. If the dirty socks are lying
on the ground – just pick up the stinking socks. If someone is leaving the lights on or the faucet running and you’re
trying to save money – turn it off or just leave it on! Ten dollars extra per
month is well worth keeping peace in your family. You may think this is
going to ruin you because others in your family are not cooperating but in
reality you’re setting an example. You speak
more by your action than your lecture. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
When you’re sitting in traffic and it’s
moving at five miles an hour, don’t get all impatient. I used to have a bad
habit of honking at people whenever others honked at me for not moving
immediately at the green light. Then when they’d pass me I’d give them a stern
stare! One day the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart in a small voice, “How long are you going to allow strangers
to control your life?” I asked God to change me. I asked my children to
hold me accountable. After about six months of practice, I become cool as a
cucumber. I have nothing to prove. Nothing in traffic brothers me anymore. Instead
of saying, “I hate traffic” now I proclaim,
“I love traffic!” Try it sometime
reverse psychology works! Seriously, when we ask God for help, He will come to
our aid. One more thing relating to driving: if you’re not on the driver’s
seat, don’t tell how to drive. He/She’s got a driver’s license. Let the driver
do the driving!
At work, when you’re not included in
an office meeting, it is easy to feel less important. When you’re robbed off of
your commission or promotion, you feel angry. When you come early and leave
late to show our loyalty to company and still get chewed up for something
small, you have to be the bigger person and let it go. The more you overlook an
offense the more peace you’ll have. I’m not asking you to be an ostrich and put
your head in the sand. Be aware but let God do His thing. He knows how to turn
the table on your opponents and in your favor.
Today, my challenge for us is not to
sweat the small stuff. Details are important. But if it creates conflict and
brings division, let it be. God can change people’s heart faster than you blink.
When we remain calm and follow peace, we’re in control. Don’t let a phone call or
an email ruin your day. Give your kids a break. Be understanding to your
spouse. Do a kind deed without taking credit for it. You’re here for a much
bigger purpose. Don’t let the small foxes destroy your vineyard. I pray and declare
that you’re secure, confident, bold, forgiving, disciplined, patient and
compassionate. Your destiny is too big to fall for a small trap of the enemy. You
have the mind of Christ. Give up the low life so that God can take you higher.
“It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling” (Proverbs 20:3 ESV).
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