What's your pet peeve?

Can I tell you mine? Actually I have two. The first one creeps up in church, of all places, right in my pew. The worship leader announces the hymn number and the person beside me makes no attempt to open the book. Instead, stands silent.

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking how do I know that since I’m blind?

I can hear real well. In fact, my ears are tuned to all voices not only from the choir, but also to those seated around me. So why does that bug me? Because inside me I have a flaming desire to read those lyrics and sing to the top of my lungs. What I wouldn’t do to peek at the lyrics of songs I’m not familiar with and join in the singing.

It’s like standing at the window looking into a banquet with tables piled high with scrumptious food, and while starved, watching those seated at the table push food away.

Silly isn’t it? If you’re one of those who just silently listens while all are singing from the lyrics on the screen or in the hymnals…don’t waste that opportunity, one I’d kill to have.

Okay, here’s my second pet peeve. When I step outside and folks make the comment, "It’s cloudy today, overcast, it looks like rain."

"Don’t say that!" I want to stop them. Up to then, I had in my mind pictured a different day - bright with sunshine, blue skies, and not a cloud in sight. That’s the way I picture each day. And believe it or not, it affects my mood and makes it even brighter and sunnier.

I’ve not fallen for the Pollyanna syndrome. Not really; I’ve just made the choice to view life through different eyes.

I’m sure you have cloudy days, too - moments when things just don’t turn out, circumstances that create anguish, and even health problems that add to dark skies.

Here’s the choice: recognize the circumstances aren’t going away for the moment, but choose the hope God promises, the healing He proposes, the encouragement He offers, and the love of His Son to warm chilly days.

Anything else is from the one who wants to steal your peace…the king of thieves.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and have it to the full"(John 10:10).

Here’s a spiritual forecast: Attitude that lurks on the horizon ushers either our own gloom, or the soft breeze of God’s grace.

Janet

p.s. My book Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow (found at Amazon.com) is filled with pages that illustrate how God dispelled clouds of adversity that threatened to darken my days.