“There are lots of different explanations for every experience.”

A thought by Mark Batterson (2014-09-02) from his book, The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible (p. 220). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

That is so true. Have you learned to use that as a way to enjoy life instead of endure it?

Look at what Mark says, “Let’s say you’re at a restaurant waiting for a date that you were supposed to meet at 7: 00 sharp, but forty-five minutes later he or she is a no-show. At some point you need to explain to yourself why the person isn’t there. Here are some possible explanations. You might think, “He stood me up,” causing you to become mad. You could jump to conclusions and think, “She doesn’t love me anymore,” causing you to become sad. You could assume, “He was in an accident,” causing you to feel anxious. You might imagine, “He’s working overtime so that he can pay for our meal,” causing you to feel grateful. You could speculate, “She’s with another man,” causing you to feel jealous. Or you might realize, “This gives me a perfect excuse to break up with her,” giving you a great deal of relief. Same situation. Very different explanations.” And it is a matter of choice by you and how you view the situation.

What is your natural way to look at every situation? Now as I have gotten older I have striven to give people the benefit of the doubt, to come up with a win, win for each of us. And then in those situations when I know I have been wronged I give them grace just as Christ has given me grace. He hasn’t given me what I deserved so I want to do the same with others. Now that is not natural for me. I am a born pessimist and perfectionist and also a self-centered person and that is where God’s love and Spirit comes in. And He is still working on me.

The natural man that which is natural to us can be in control of our reactions to others or the Spirit filled man when we are filled with God’s love can be in control. There is a choice there. It all depends on who we choose to control our reactions. And which is in control goes a long way in our enjoying our life.

So what controls your reaction?

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