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Opinion
Remain in Jesus so Jesus’ ways remain in you
Friday, January 26, 2024
I mentioned last week that I made a quick trip to Glendive, Montana, recently. The purpose was so that my brother-in-law could purchase a couple of bird dogs. We found the house, met the friendly elderly couple selling the dogs, met the dogs, and then led the dogs to the SUV. As soon as the smaller and more energetic dog got into the back of the SUV he heisted his leg and – well I am sure that what your mind is picturing right now is in fact exactly what happened. Before we could get started on the long drive back, we had to first clean up the interior of the vehicle.
Life is full of unexpected events. Some are pleasant, and some are not. Our responses to the pleasant, unexpected events in life we don’t usually have to worry about; we smile, laugh, cry tears of joy, say “thanks.” It is those unpleasant, unexpected events in life that might trip us up. When a child spills a red colored drink on the carpet, when our car is damaged in a fender bender, when we learn about something derogatory a friend has said behind our back, our first impulse may be to strike – physically and/or verbally. In the blink of an eye, our actions may make a bad situation even worse.
When your first impulse is to strike out, remember to take a moment to breathe deeply. Calm yourself. If a child is involved, how can you transform this event into a teaching moment so that a life skill can be learned? In other cases, before you act, remember that it is important to consider your own well-being. Keep yourself physically safe and emotionally safe by not lashing out in anger. Remember that Christ is with you and will help you maneuver around life’s accidents. Remain in Jesus so Jesus’ ways may remain in you.
“Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil. Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.” Ephesians 4:31-32
The Rev. Karen Dumey is the pastor of Hunter Memorial First Presbyterian Church in Sikeston.