How long do you think that lasted?
I couldn't even make it a week before my measly Martha-mentality returned. With muttering breath and slamming drawers to boot, I quickly blew my "Paola" cover. I will spare you the gory details, but it might be appropriate to say that I almost became the Grinch that stole Thanksgiving.
Of course, I could tell you about the unusual tiresome week that led up to the semi-explosion (whine...oops! I guess I just did), but that would only be an excuse. There is no excuse. It is simply a barrel of bad habits that erupt when the going gets tough. Neither outright temper tantrums nor inward passive aggressiveness exhibit the practice of leaning on the wisdom and joy of the Lord.
Hunger and weariness probably plague Paola, yet she seemingly takes it all in stride. She moves automatically, without complaint, according to Jessica O'Dwyer, author of the book Mamalita, an adoption memoir, from which I have shared the above excerpt. In Philippians 2:14, our Lord implores me to "do everything without grumbling or complaining." This small-statured woman, Paola, towers over my small-mindedness, by following this command with strength and endurance. I wonder if a discussion on considering the differences in cultural expectations is in order? Could it make my behaviors seem more understandable? No, nada. What I need reaches across cultures.
When will I ever realize that it is on bended knee that I need to make my vows? Gritted teeth will get me nowhere. Strengthening of spirit is given through the uplifting of prayers to the One who is the Wellspring of Life. Why do I forget to fill my cup first with Him, before He can pour anything useful into the lives of others through me?
As it has done for me, I hope that hearing about Paola will remind you of your blessings and encourage you to rely on our Lord more heavily this holiday season. May your Christmas overflow with His strength and joy!
Here are some other helpful sites about the holidays:
http://www.aholyexperience.com/
http://homeschoolingmomtographer.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-can-we-honor-christ-as-we-prepare.html
http://www.girltalkhome.com/blog/category/spiritual_disciplines/
http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/women/11641930/
http://christian.families.com/blog/putting-christ-back-in-christmas
http://www.parenting.com/new/blogs/mom-congress/simple-ways-volunteer-your-family-holiday-season
http://sunflowerfaith.com/2010/12/01/tis-not-the-season-to-complain-word-filled-wednesday/
http://etools.781net.com/a/vomso/bg_vomso_wdbm_434.html
4 comments:
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and the meal was delicious!
You have so vividly painted a picture of the North American curse, which is a belief that we deserve(fill in the blank). And because of this core belief we are rarely content and satisfied with what we have and our lives. Don't feel bad because we all struggle with this problem. As you have stated, unless we walk in the spirit moment by moment we don't have a chance of going thru the day without grumbling and complaining. I pray that we (all Christians) can think and behave like our saviour. Your partner in life, Johnny
Carol - I loved this! I will remember Paola now too when I want to "think" that I am having a bad. Thanks so much for sharing, great post!
To my partner (ha!), thanks for forgiving me when I have stinkin-thinkin...I am so thankful that our little family practices forgiveness easily! I pray that the moments that I think rightly will increase thru Him. :)
Alisa, I am so glad that Paola had an impact on you too...blessings during your holidays! :)
I'm glad that I ready this today. I have been fighting the same kind of inner-struggle. It is so easy to slip into thinking that I have things rough even with reminders like these. Thank you for sharing :)
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