Acts of Gratitude for Ordinary DaysSample

Take It to Jesus First

I know better than to handle disagreements via text. Still, here I was, reading and rereading her message, frustrated at her perceived lack of compassion over my situation and wanting desperately to reply with a ­passive-​­aggressive “That’s fine. I’ll handle it.”

Knowing I should pick up the phone and continue a potentially ­tension-​­filled conversation verbally instead of by text doesn’t always mean that’s what I’ll do. And that’s where I found myself this particular day: grumpy, in the proverbial ditch emotionally, and about to respond to my friend in a way not recommended by conflict management professionals.

One of the things I am most grateful for about Jesus is that he can handle the rawest, ugliest parts of me. There is no pretense or polite dithering; Jesus gets the ­straight-​­to-​­the-​­point, ­emotionally-​­in-​­the-​­ditch Julie more than I care to admit. And he can handle it. I can tell him all the ways someone is irritating me without fear that he will suddenly realize I’m a sinner with an unhealthy ­passive-​­aggressive streak and disown me. He already knows this about me and isn’t one bit surprised when I tell him all about whatever has me tied in knots as I drive down the road. The beautiful thing about Jesus is that he always meets me in that ugly place but never allows me to stay camped there.

When I take my complaints to him first, I often find perspective and clarity as I process the situation. As I confess my ugliest uglies, the Holy Spirit has the space to comfort me while gently convicting me, reminding me of biblical truth, and setting my feet back onto firm ground spiritually and emotionally.

Jesus intentionally died for ­me—​­and ­you—​­becoming the blood sacrifice necessary to put us back into right standing before God. He knew us at our worst and chose us despite ourselves. I don’t know about you, but when I meditate on that realization, I’m able to reconsider even the hardest situation from an eternal perspective, and it never fails to both challenge my intended response and change my heart.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Thank God for loving you even when you are at your worst. Entrust Jesus with your ugly initial responses, allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to change your heart and mind before you text or pick up the phone.