Thoughts in Transition

I have known for some time that you cannot allow circumstances to dictate your reaction to them and even though this was a solid resolve for me, I struggled with implementing this personal policy recently. The disrespect that I suffered at the hands of a couple of individuals was so blatant and severe that my core was shaken, albeit momentarily. I spent days wondering how someone could be so blindly insensitive and so completely dismissive of people and their value. The only solution to this dilemma was when I decided to end the pity party, take down the balloons and streamers and move forward.

My value is not tied up in anyone else but me and the people that I love and treasure. I see and feel my value daily in the eyes and actions of my wife and children. I continue to feel valued when surrounded by my true friends and other family members. Value is not an expression of someones' view of you, but in the resolute understanding that YOU own it.

My life is in a transitional state due to the loss of a job. After 23 years of gainful full-time employment, I am unemployed for the first time ever. It is definitely an adjustment, but not necessarily a bad one. Having had more time to just be still, I have rediscovered the simple joys of playing board games with my children, having lunch with them at school, eating lunch with my wife. I have spent more time in the Word and in prayer. My life has become balanced again. I work full-time looking for a job, but I take the time to appreciate this unique opportunity.

Today while flipping through my Bible (my favorite one ever, it is the Holman Illustrated Study Bible, a gift from my baby girl Callie) I came across this passage:

Philippians 4: 6-9

Don't worry about anything, but in everything, though prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable - if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise - dwell on these things. Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

This passage gives no option to worry about anything, that is my new goal to live a life free from worry. It is also clear that our thoughts should only dwell on things that are:

1. true
2. honorable
3. just
4. pure
5. lovely
6. commendable
7. is morally excellent
8. is praise

I don't even know that it is possible for me to accomplish this, but I will certainly try.

God Bless and remember, it is not your job to judge any one else's walk with God or lack thereof, we are only to love and accept those as they are. There ain't nothin' worse than a hypocritical pharisee......OK?