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This is a six-part series based on this list by Ella Spees as found in the book by Linda Dillow: “Lord Calm My Anxious Heart.”
A couple of days ago, after having had a grand total of maybe 4 hours of sleep the whole night (the bulk of that after 5:30am), and realizing that the heat wave we are having is going to be sticking around until at least the end of this week, I was reminded of this little list I have on my fridge.
Key #1: Never allow yourself to complain about anything – not even the weather.
And that’s all I’ve been doing the past week (or more….frankly). “It is hot. It is in my 90s everyday. The humidity stays in the 40% range, bringing the heat index up to near 100 or more. We have no A/C and it’s too hot to let Robi play outside during the day because the beating-down sun is not safe. I can’t sleep. I have the mother of all prenatal hot flashes that seem to come quite frequently while I am trying to sleep.”
This has been pretty much the topic of my thoughts for the past few weeks. And while I rehashed this out once more a few days ago, that first key came to mind. Make no mistake, it was God reminding me that I was wallowing in deep discontentment.
It is so easy to complain, we do it without even realizing it. And the weather tends to get all sorts of complaints – no matter what the weather’s like, someone will find fault with it. I love rain, I am a Pacific Northwest girl, I grew up in Olympia, WA – right next to Seattle: the rain capital of the world. I am totally not used to the tropical climate of Croatia. But, if I truly believe that God is the creator of the universe – thus the creator and controller of the weather – then I must bring my thoughts and emotions into agreement with the verse, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Sometimes, it is a willful decision and we must wait for our emotions to follow. It is a good discipline. So, this week, while we endure more temperatures nearing or at (or maybe above) 100, and while Robi is bored out of his mind, not being able to enjoy the outdoors, and while I try to keep my inner thermostat at a reasonable level – I will choose to find joy in it all….knowing that I am building contentment into my character – one choice at a time!
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Hi! I am a missionary living in Croatia but originally from the Pacific Northwest. I hold an Associate of Practical Theology from Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, TX, and a minor in both Music and Worship and the Arts. At my church, I teach a discipleship class, teach catechism to our school-aged children, and have taught at our women's conferences. I am passionate about coaching women in their walk with the Lord and daily quiet times. I lead an online Bible study affiliated with Good Morning Girls. Learn more about me here.