Ever have those days when you think, “What else you got for me, world?”
Matt was away for the day at his homeschool/hybrid program. I was settling in for a day of pounding out words on the keyboard and laying out goals for the next 90 days. My planner, pen, and coffee mug were in place. The only thing left was a trip to the mudroom for another log for the fire.
But when I returned, I spotted coffee dribbled across my planner. Those coffee splatters were not there just two minutes ago so I knew Hazel, our chocolate lab, had helped herself to my coffee.
I sent the pic below to my family.
“GRRR…. my mommy said” is a saying I’ve adopted since my kids were little. They know when I, Mama Bear, use those words, I am not happy.
Our oldest son, Jon, had a stuffed bear when he was little. When hugged, the bear would tell the story of Goldilocks. Baby Bear narrates the story from his point of view and part of the story went something like this:
“‘Grrr’, my mommy said. Goldilocks got up and ran away. I don’t know why to this very day.
Baby Bear
That line resonates with me when something annoying happens. Like when someone infringes on my space, eats my porridge, or slurps my coffee.
Our world can seem a bit like that sometimes. News of the day, posts on the internet, or people in our space can slosh us about. What’s inside spills out on others and not always in a good way.
- It was MY coffee.
- I was looking forward to enjoying it.
- But my dog slurping my coffee interrupted that enjoyment.
Now I had a choice.
- I could pour the rest of the coffee into her dog dish and let her have it. (Umm…NO! She’s hyper enough without an added caffeine boost.)
- I could shrug my shoulders let Aunt Edna in the movie Vacation and keep drinking my coffee. (That’s a NO as well!)
- OR step back for a better perspective.
Was I annoyed at my dog? YES – but it didn’t need to ruin my day.
Yet this is an issue we see over and over in our culture today. Small disturbances happen but instead of handling it with grace, we escalate the situation by overreacting.
I can’t control the actions of others. But I can, and should, manage myself well.
I love the way the Message version translates Solomon’s words in Ecclesiastes.
Don’t be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his/her head.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 (The MSG)
People will say things. They will post crazy stuff on social media, bump into us emotionally, or do something to rile us up. Our response matters. We can escalate or deescalate the situation. Let’s not be quick to fly off the handle or let the actions of others high jack our days. Instead let’s be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19 NIV)
Because if the dog slurping my coffee — or that person or thing that riles you is the worst thing that happens today, then it’s still a pretty good day.
Tripping Over Typeset 
I think my dog is too fussy to drink my coffee, Rachel. And probably unable to get up on my desk. But thank you for the reminder about not letting things spoiling a day. It’s far too easy to let that happen. Best to step back as you say for a better perspective – preferably with a fresh cup of coffee.
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🤣. Yes! It was partly my own fault. I had placed my coffee down on the coffee table.. not on the side table that is higher or my desk 😜. Thanks for jumping in and saying hi! 😊
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Love how you used that everyday occurrence to make a pretty good point. I can so easily get riled. Thanks for the reminder that, as my teen used to say, “it’s not that deep”!
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Thank you! Don’t you love how our teens help bring us little life reminders as well. Thanks for stopping by!
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I love this! I don’t know how many times I let people or circumstances dictate to me how to feel, but I am learning to look at things from God’s perspective so I can keep my peace.
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I’m right there with ya! I’m definitely a work in progress! 😊. Thanks for jumping in and sharing.
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It’s still a good day, and it’s a good day to start again. We’re all a work in progress, and instruments of grace (giving and receiving). Thanks for sharing and for being an example of grace. 💕
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Thank you, Tina! You also are such a gift of grace to me! Thank you 🥰
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❤️🥰❤️
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Love this! I have said “this” to my kids from when they were little- you can’t control other people’s actions but you CAN control your reaction to them. And I think she was fairly neat for a dog 🤣. She didn’t think you’d notice! 😉. Love you friend! ❤️
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🤣🤪🤣🤪. I completely noticed! 😆😆😆
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Happy new year Pastor Rachel. I have always looked forward to reading your ‘blurbs’ although I don’t leave any comments 🙂 My take home today is “handle with grace” to overcome the enemies of my heart. Pass my regards to all. Love ya!
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Thank you! So great to hear from you! Lots of love to you!
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From you dog’s perspective it was a blessing to find this cup of coffee. At least you saw the drips on your planner so you didn’t finish it!!
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Yes!!! That is so true! 🤣🤣🤣 thanks for stopping over and jumping in! 😁
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Great message!!
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It’s like emotional muscle building, right? I often say my eldest son came along for many reasons, not the least of which to teach me patience:). Maybe your Lab is just helping you flex that new muscle! 🙂
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My Lab along with others 😜🤣. Thanks for jumping in 😊
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