DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”  (I Corinthians 10:31, NIV)

A year or so ago, my husband and I watched a video by the popular Christian entertainer, Chonda Pierce.  In it, she spoke about the many trials God had brought into her life.  She talked about her very healthy younger sister who suddenly got very ill, was hospitalized, and died in twelve days.  Chonda said that all the little frustrations and inconveniences in our daily lives that we get so wrapped up in did not matter at all during those twelve days her sister clung to life.  The only thing that really mattered was her family spending as much meaningful time with her sister as they could before she slipped away.  That story made a huge impression on me and has stuck with me ever since.

How many times do I let the small frustrations of the day affect my attitude?  How often do I get completely bent out of shape over the fact that I don’t have enough energy to sew or cook today, do an errand or visit a friend?  One thing that has helped me deal with my daily frustrations is to put my day completely in God’s hands.  I learned a long time ago that it is much easier to give my day to God, with my energy limitations, and pray that He will allow me to accomplish what He wants me to accomplish on a particular day.  Then, I don’t feel so frustrated if some things I wanted to do remain undone.

When our short time on earth is over, is it really going to matter whether or not I made that Christmas tree skirt I’ve been wanting to sew, or was able go grocery shopping or get the dusting done?  I believe that what matters most to God is our heart attitude, not what we are physically able to accomplish.  Do you have a pleasing attitude that is glorifying to God or one that festers with anger and frustration?  I once heard a speaker at our church say that when he got irritated in traffic or had an unpleasant attitude, he would ask himself, “If I died right now, would I want to appear before God with this kind of an attitude?  When I ask myself that question, usually the answer is,“No!”

It’s not easy to be joyful with a chronic illness.  But instead of sweating the small stuff, let’s focus on glorifying God with our attitudes.  That’s what really matters!  J

Dear Jesus, help us to focus on glorifying You and not sweat the small stuff.