How do you act when things don’t go your way?

For those in Texas, I’m confident you can relate, but the past 2 weeks have been a challenge, especially for those of us in the lower half of the state. The weather has not been kind and results have been tough on the calendar with most meetings, calls and videos changed, postponed and cancelled.

In addition to the ice, sleet, snow and any other forms of frozen precipitation, the effect on many homes are still being felt. Here’s a text I sent early last week:

“Next door neighbors comin over to shower, hopefully leaving their pit bull behind. They, us and across the street all have busted pipes. Both boys have busted pipes. We called a plumber 2 days ago to get on list, just now called to see if they’re getting out yet, said they start today and we near top of list that now has 70 and growing. That’s only one plumbing company…”

Roads were impassable for a few days and once folks started braving the elements in search of water, food, gas and other needs, supplies were limited and in many places the shelves empty.

OK, confession time, I’m not a fan of cold weather. Even as a fair-skinned former red-head, I love the sun, warm weather and all that goes with it. Therefore, this two-week cold snap (many other words come to mind) proved to be more difficult than I anticipated.

But you know what? Life goes on and I can wallow in my misery or find ways to cheer up, check on others, help those worse off and finally realize how good we really have it. On one of the recent days of disaster, when the power returned during our rolling blackouts and I could feel my fingers, I made a list of things for which I’m thankful: 

·      Family, friends, and fond memories

·      Good health and a positive attitude (most days)

·      A wife better than I deserve, kids and grandkids

·      Work that I enjoy, hobbies that provide joy

·      A God who loves me, yes even me!

 Through the storm, I learned that sometimes I’m a big tiddy-baby and need to stop whining. When I do so, I’m only thinking about myself and I’m confident that displeases everyone else. 

I also learned that we need each other. Social media often promotes more time alone. COVID provided even more opportunities to go solo and isolate. But we were made for community. God made Adam, saw he was alone and it was not good. We need others in our lives.

When things don’t go our way, we all need someone to encourage, inspire, challenge and speak truth in our lives. But in order to have those friends, even to give us a swift kick in the seat of the pants at times, each of us needs to step up and be the voice of reason for others.

Do you have a mentor to provide advice and wise counsel?

Do you have family and friends to keep you grounded?

Do you have someone to whom you are speaking truth?

If not, make it happen.