Falling down in a public place, what’s your reaction? Do you look around to see who is looking, or do you laugh? Maybe, you leap back to your original position with your face slightly pink. Whatever you do, is your reaction. It’s what you do without thinking. It’s automatic. Would it be different if you hurt yourself?
Today, I want for us to take time out to reflect on our reactions to life’s curve balls thrown at us. What is our reaction? More importantly, why does it matter. Curve balls include family interactions, disappointments, losses, competition, finances, health issues, crimes, and even the weather. I mean, winter depresses us, spring energizes, and some react to forecasted storms by grocery-shopping, while others remain unaffected.
Our guards drop around our family so reactions are fairly loose. What do you do or say when your spouse tells you what to do, ignores you, yells, cuts you down, or doesn’t ever do what you ask? What about if they do it to your kids? Parents? Do you walk away, yell, throw things, curse or degrade, whine and complain, or plan for revenge? I know, you encourage them, “It’s okay, dear. I Know I’m wrong (you’re frustrated, etc).”
How do you handle adversity? It could be serious health issues, loss of a loved one, bankruptcy, job loss, a natural disaster, or even losing a wallet in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Once disbelief and anger dissipate, do you blame others, dive into depression, or play the victim? Or, do you tackle it head-on and help others by turning your test into a testimony?
Jealousy, hurt, bitterness, and even backbiting are common reactions in the church, home, and work place. Too often, they are seen outwardly and last far too long. This is WHY it’s important to pay attention to our reactions. Not speaking or avoiding people doesn’t resolve anything, but it does worsen the situation. The funny thing is most of the time our reactions are totally different when we’re rested because our perceptions are different.
Reactions are important. They affect others. . . ones we love and are close to and many we aren’t aware are watching us. They influence. Others can only know us by our reactions. In other words, we all behave. The question is whether it’s good or bad. Each reaction pushes people away from God or towards Him. Our reactions push or draw our children away or towards us as well, causing them to rise to unlimited potential, or scarring them causing lifelong issues. Don’t forget, they imitate our reactions, too.
Think with me for a minute. If your child was told he couldn’t walk again, or had learning challenges, what would your reaction be? Would you accept the news and go on? Would you decide to get a second opinion? Would you follow the recommendations, but follow your heart and exercise or teach on your own time? You might blame God, get depressed, or cause division with family members. Your reaction could change your child’s future.
YOU can make a difference with your reactions. YOU can change the outcome.
My challenge to you is to pay attention to your reactions this week. Next week we’ll learn more about controlling the thoughts before we react. By then, maybe some will be willing to share if improvement was made, or what they learned, on my Facebook author page.
What situation is the hardest for you to control your reactions? Which reactions do you want to change? Share below.
© 2016, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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