Be a blessing

When I got to work this morning, I opened up my e-mail, followed by my calendar and saw that I was scheduled to blog here today.

I'm not going to lie; I groaned a little.

It's Monday. I have no thoughts. I feel uncreative. I mean, I got to work a little later than I wanted and traffic was the tiniest bit (read: alot) stressful.

As I sometimes do, I turned to read today's devotion in ec. And before I even got past the title, I was feeling a little convicted. I mean, be a blessing? I'd been frustrated by a woman in traffic and had given her THE GLARE, while talking to myself in my car about how dumb she was being. And she saw me because we made eye contact and neither of us were too happy with the other. Was that being a blessing?

I'd say probably not.

I don't want to be one of those people who make others feel badly about every mistake we make. Even as a Christian, we all sometimes sin. But my point is that as believers, we don't have to. My point is that we have opportunities to react differently in situations so that the world can see Christ in us. Today, I could have chosen not to let anger and frustration rule. A few days ago, I could have chosen to keep my mouth shut and not gossip. There are numerous times in my life when I could have responded with love and grace rather than judgment and shock.

As believers, we're given opportunities every day to choose the good and shine for Christ—even in traffic. Even at school. Even when your little brother or sister is being the most annoying person on the planet. Even when your best friend hurts your feelings. Even when your parents make mistakes.

Be on the lookout for those opportunities today. Before you respond with your first inclination—anger, frustration, hurtful words, whatever—stop and ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance. Let Him have control and you'll be amazed at the even-tempered, God-controlled words that come out of your mouth and the peace that covers you.

Choose to be a blessing today!