mepastormike

I really hate ending a good day in a bad mood (this probably helps explain why I'm up so early in the morning). Thursday was a great day... Duane S. and I made our way around to the homes of several in our Crossroads congregation to help them shovel out from the recent winter storm. Duane even let me drive his four-wheeler to plow the snow instead of just using my powered snow shovel (all the power I could put into it). On our way to one of the homes we helped an individual get his tractor unstuck from a ditch. Not only did we do some good hard labor, but we also had the opportunity to do a little visiting with some of the peole we helped. I had a lot of fun! I got home and Angela and the kids had a good day and had enjoyed the company of friends most of the afternoon. Life was good! But then the evening came.
I began to feel really tired... physically. I was ready to checkout for the evening, but I was still needed as a husband, father, and pastor. I allowed my own self-interest to over-ride my attitude, and my service toward others became obligation and a chore. You can only imagine how I behaved toward those I love the most... it sure was not lovely. I was a GROUCH!
My reading this morning took me to Acts 26 where the apostle Paul shares his testimony with a king. In verse one the king tells Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself." Paul was very aware of who his audience was and spoke to them accordingly. Even though he was a prisoner at the time (in chains as he spoke) his words were of God's grace and mercy.
O God, may I be aware of how precious the audience of my family really is, and may I treat them as royalty when I speak and act in their presence. Forgive me where I have fallen short and failed. Give me wisdom to make the most of my next opportunity and demonstrate Your grace and mercy... please, allow me to have a next opportunity. Amen!