Saturday, July 5, 2014

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

How Are You Responding?

Joshua 24:15  "...CHOOSE this day whom you will serve..."

I recently visited with a friend who operated a preschool for more than 20 years. In that time, she has definitely learned how to effectively communicate with children. Her best advice is to always give children an option, an opportunity to make a choice.

She shared an example of a little boy who she once taught that refused to wear his coat for his family when it was cold outside. They had to bring a blanket everywhere to keep him warm.

When picking up their son one day, the parents were astounded to see that the teacher was able to get the child to wear his coat.

Of course, they wanted to know how she was able to convince him to finally put his coat on. She said, "Simple. Zipped or unzipped!"

She explained that wearing the coat was non-negotiable, but she made sure to give him a choice. Each day, she told the boy, "You HAVE to wear your coat, but you can have it zipped or unzipped." He happily chose "unzipped."

There are many things that happen to us in life that we DON'T have a say in. We can't change the situation, the circumstance or the people involved. However, in all things, we do have a CHOICE in how we respond.

It's important to really think out your responses. There are times to keep your words and reactions "zipped," and there are other times where God will lead you to speak up and respond to a situation.  In all your responses, it's important to seek God for direction and to respond in such a way that brings healing to the situation and people involved.

The Bible says in Matthew 12:36 that one day, we will all have to give an account for EVERY single careless word that we have spoken.

I try to live my life by this quote--"Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you respond to it." 10% of life is pretty non-negotiable, but your response to that 10% and to others will very well dictate how the rest of your time is spent.

I challenge you just as today's verse challenges--"choose this day whom you will serve." If you choose to serve the Lord, make every effort to respond in such a way that will bring Him honor. Unzip His wisdom in Your life!

Dear Lord, Allow the Holy Spirit to guide me so that I would know exactly what to say and when to say it. I thank You that although there are many things that are out of my control, NOTHING is out of Yours!

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are the Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Reflection:  Would God be honored in the manner you respond to the situations you face?