The morning had a leisurely pace to it. I had decided to spend the day puttering around the house, taking care of cleaning and other odds and ends. With that in mind, I started my day by brushing my teeth, washing my face, and changing into comfortable lounge pants and a soft T-shirt. I swept my hair up into a loose bun, and I was ready for the day. Since I had no plans to see anyone, I didn’t bother with makeup or any other primping.
Soon after, I stood on the back porch, sweeping away the fallen leaves. I then headed back inside the house and noticed a message from someone informing me that they were coming over to attend to some tasks I had asked for. Geez. Now what? I wasn’t expecting to see anyone today.
They were just ten minutes away. I had a split-second decision to make—should I hurriedly rush around, change clothes, and try to present a more put-together version of myself, or should I simply laugh off the situation and continue with my day as I was? Without a second thought, I chose the latter option.
On that day, several individuals visited my home, each with a unique purpose for being there. I couldn’t help but chuckle. In the past, such a situation would have undoubtedly caused me a great deal of stress. However, I’ve gained valuable insights over the years—some things just change with age, I guess. I’ve reached a point where I’m unwilling to let anything disrupt the peace I have cultivated in God.
If they see me without makeup and my hair done, they will survive, and so will I.
I’ve learned the importance of not letting a brief challenge ruin the entire day. I’ve discovered the value of laughing things off, finding humor in myself, and understanding that what once seemed significant is just a fleeting moment. I’ve also learned to relax and not let small things have a big impact on my day.
I recall a day from many years ago when something quite unpleasant occurred. At the time, it felt like the worst day. However, I had a revelation later on when the Lord gently spoke to my heart, asking, “Was it truly a bad day, or was it just an unpleasant five minutes?” This simple question completely shifted my perspective. It made me realize that I shouldn’t let a tough five minutes ruin an entire day. I came to understand that this negative outlook was not aligned with God’s Word but rather originated from the devil.
Nowadays, people often let minor issues ruin their day or even their week. What’s the purpose of that?
While driving this week, a UPS truck suddenly pulled out in front of me, causing me to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision. Surprisingly, instead of getting upset and honking at the driver, I remained calm. When I glanced over at the driver, I was taken aback to see a large, friendly grin on his face. He waved apologetically and shouted, “SORRY!” I couldn’t help but smile back and wave in return. The whole encounter was quite peaceful and didn’t escalate into a dramatic situation. In that moment, we both chose to stay in peace, making the world just a little bit better.
In today’s society, we often encounter road rage, political strife, gender-based tensions, and racial conflicts. The world seems to be brimming with anger, but we have the power to make a difference. How? By choosing not to engage in it, shielding ourselves from its influence, and maintaining a peaceful attitude irrespective of the turmoil around us.
So, what do I wish I knew when I was younger?
I wish I had known then what I know now.
I wish I had known to laugh at my own mistakes, not to take myself so seriously, and that laughter is good medicine.
I wish I had known not to dwell on the challenging stuff but to keep my eyes firmly on God.
I wish I had known then that my God would keep me in perfect peace if I kept my eyes and mind on Him.
I wish I had refused to allow a short-term challenge to affect my entire day.
I wish I had realized that when people are unkind, they are usually hurting. I wish I had known that, and I wish I had been more kind and less defensive.
I wish I had known I did not need all the answers today. Instead, I should keep walking and keep trusting God.
With the wisdom I’ve gained over the years, I refrained from hastily applying makeup, rushing, or changing my clothes. I remained calm and collected without any feelings of being unprepared. Instead of making my guests feel unwelcome or as if they were disrupting my plans, I welcomed them with a warm smile and said, “Welcome, it’s so wonderful to have you visit today.”
I know I said I wish I had known more back then, and that is true. But more than that, I thank God for the place He has brought me to today. It’s a place of confidence, a resting place, a place of peace and laughter, a place of genuine kindness and mercy. For that, I am thankful.
