Generation NeXt Parenting

Botox for the heart

Okay, I have to admit it. There are days that I'm just grumpy. Sometimes it's due to the rise and fall of my hormones. (I'll stop with that, thank you very much.) But other times it's due to little things. Mud tracked in on a freshly mopped floor. A not-so-positive review of one of my books. The scale.

I may not yell at my kids or snub my husband, but the underlining joy is gone, and my whole household is affected.

I've tried different things to transform my attitude. Sometimes walking my dog helps. Other times a hot bath (yes, even mid-day) will do the trick. But there is one thing that helps no matter what . . . turning to God and realizing my dumpy 'tude is most likely due to a thirsty soul. A soul that needs communion. To be filled up--for only then can I joyfully pour out love to those I've vowed to cherish forever.

Here's a great Scripture to meditate on the next time you feel your attitude sinking and struggling:

As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, O God.

My soul thirst for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God? . . .

Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:1-2,5-6)

Thinking and rethinking my need for God, pausing to praise, allowing His voice to speak concerning my discontent, and putting my hope in Him gives me an instant change of heart. My day looks brighter, the "little things" don't seem to matter so much, and a smile returns to my dimpled cheeks. (And, boy, is my family glad!)

In fact, turning to God is like Botox for the heart. It provides an instant faith-lift!

posted by Tricia Goyer @ 4:56 AM