Joyful Attitudes?!?!?

“So how am I supposed to respond when you tell me something that I do not like? Do you want me to act like I am happy?” Noah Dahir

This was a conversation that spawned over some very important decisions that were made in the life of an 11 year old. It was late and we were coming home from football practice and I told him the week before that if he did good at his football game that I would buy him a large slurpy. (Yes, we do bribe our kids sometimes.) Like I said, it was late and I didn’t want him to get sick off of too much sugar. I told him that he could have a slurpy now, but it would have to be a medium or he can wait and we will get him a large one. All of a sudden he went from being my happy go lucky child and began turning into an 11 year old who did not get what he wanted. I told him that I did not like his attitude and then he asked me the profound question that began our devotional for the week.

You may ask, “What does this story have to do with you and I?” Think for a moment to the last time that you did not get what you wanted. Maybe it was a situation at home, at work, with a friend, or even a decision that it seems the God of this universe has made. The large slurpy represents how you think things should be or what you feel you deserve. It is crucial that we do understand that it does not mean that the large slurpy image is actually better. It simply represents what we think would make sense. The medium slurpy represents the door b and what could be the Lord’s plan from the beginning of time.

Here was my advice to my son and what I am trying to learn for my own life.
1. Don’t let an unwelcome answer or unmet expectation poison the possibilities that are available.

2. It is important to express your disappointment, but make sure it is the right time, right place, and to the right person

3. If you find yourself getting a bad attitude, fight it and be in control of your actions. You can never control what someone else says or does, but you can control yourself; or at least you should control yourself.

4. Trust that somehow, someway the Lord will fulfill all of His promises. Usually the worst will come out of us when we begin to think that we cannot trust the Lord with our personal needs and dreams.


In conclusion:

You can either look at your life and focus on all of the things you did not get, that have hurt you, or areas that were unfair, and let that set the tone for the day or situation you are about to face or you can learn from those things and decide to enjoy the good that is placed in front of you. I personally believe that even the simplest things can be turned to gold when touched with a heart that is joyful and knows how to trust in the Lord.

Romans 12:11-13
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

This devotional was used with permission of my son Noah. Thank you Noah for allowing us all to learn along side you. You are a wonderful young man and I love you very much. He did want you all to know that this story has been copy written and can not be used again without Noah Kristopher Dahir’s personal written permission.