DAILY PROTECTION

I hate my dishwasher.  Whenever I pull out the bottom basket to load the plates all four wheels fall to the floor and the entire thing comes off track.  A list of curse words go through my mind and sometimes I let out a scream while I search for the wheels and bend down to put them on the posts. I slide everything back into place and slam the door giving into the anger.

Whenever I am trying to make the beds I can never seem to get the fitted sheet on.  I put on the top right side and then move to the bottom left only to discover that it won't reach.  Silly me...I take the entire thing off and turn it around and try again, but somehow I seem to be back to where I started.  Maybe I need to begin at the bottom left and go to the top right...no that still does not work.  Okay...I will put both top ones on and then move to the bottom...almost got it...think this is it.  What IS going on...is this even the right size sheet?

This past weekend we purchased a new cabinet for our television.  We paid to have it put together and everything looked great...that was until the cable guy opened the door to put the box inside and one of the hinges broke right off.  The cabinet that only hours before was beautiful now represented everything that was wrong in my world.  Now, as I walk by, I see the one door just kind of hanging there useless and walk away in disgust.

I have openly shared with you some of the enormous challenges I have faced in my life, but sometimes it is the everyday aggravations that make it impossible to keep our peace.  Being stuck in traffic, waiting an hour for an appointment, stubbing your toe, breaking your nail, or burning your dinner.  All of these annoyances result in little cracks in our armor and leave us unprotected.  Then when we are faced with a life changing issue we wonder why we cannot muster the strength to do battle.  We are weary soldiers trudging through each day...but do we even know what we are fighting for?

We will never be able to enjoy our lives if we allow insignificant problems to eat away at our spirit.  Each morning, I allow God's grace to wash over me. I vow to forget the failures of yesterday and expect good things to happen in the new day.  I choose to dwell on the positive possibilities.  As soon as I get out of bed,  I find a million reasons to lose my joy. Some days I just want to crawl back under the covers, but I remind myself that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me..."  Every once in awhile the hours unfold effortlessly and I live with a confidence and ease.  But regardless of my circumstances, I am never alone.   In the midst of the conflicts I face, I must become a warrior.  Although I may lose a few battles... in the end there will be victory.

But you are a shield around me, O Lord...
Psalm 3:3