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is this for you?
Jack Nicolson put it brilliantly in the road-trip scene from the 1999 movie As Good As It Gets:
Not everyone has a terrible story to get over. Some people have great stories, pretty stories that take place at lakes with boats and friends and noodle salad. Just no one in this car. But, a lot of people, that's their story. Good times, noodle salad.
If you're riding with me, know that I speak from personal experience. If you can relate, scroll down. More than anything I want you to know, YOU matter to God. IT--whatever it is, matters to God. But no one can make that discovery for you. I count it a blessing to encourage you along the way.
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Mistakes: Laugh, Learn, Move On
My two oldest sons are from a previous marriage. (to my high school Algebra teacher). He didn't think much of me after the divorce and took great delight in upsetting me with rude comments. For years I fell for it and lost my temper, until I discovered that when I remained calm and polite, it bothered him. I know, I know, it's not a pure motive to be kind but give me a break . . . from "glory to glory", right?
For two years I maintained politeness regardless of what he said to me. And then one day I blew it. I'll spare you the details of what he said to me, but confess to you that my parting phrase to him began with the letter F.
Now those without sin can cast the first stone.
My only regret was that I let him get the best of me. I still remember my prayer. "Dear God, please forgive me for what I said. And please forgive me for not really being sorry for what I said. Amen."
Who do I call for a quick shot of conviction? My friend, the pastor's wife. Surely she will set me straight. I imagined her gasp at my confession; a loving, but stern rebuke, accompanied by a reminder that godly women should maintain a graceful continence. Instead, I experienced a moment of silence, followed by giggling. "I'm sorry," she said. I know my laughter is highly inappropriate!"
I love this women. She knows me--knows that I don't normally use foul language. I'm human afterall. Not long afterward, I felt authentic conviction for my reaction. But with no condemnation.
Moving on.
Can you think of a time when God allowed inappropriate laughter to ease the pain of of losing your temper? Did authentic conviction arise?
Published on Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 5:38 PM CDT
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