I offended someone today. Don't get me wrong, I am anything but bragging. If anything, I'm sharing it in an attempt to deal. You see, I'm one of "those people" a lot of the time. You know, the women who apologize too much and think about things they've said and how it made someone feel long after that person has forgotten.
Well, yesterday I was smiling and attempted small talk with a woman who was also bagging up some green beans at the grocery store. Her furrowed brow made it obvious that she wasn't pleased with me, then she voiced it. "Some people walk around only thinking about themselves, as if they live in a bubble. Haven't you heard about all of the terrible things that are happening? It's so sad."

My stomach turned a little. After all, it's true. I hated that I'd come off as someone who wasn't sympathetic to all of the hurt around me. It was one of my great moments, though, when I remembered to plead for God's help with my words before I opened my mouth. I just didn't want to agree with her and her doomed perspective.
He was faithful to help.
Turning serious for a moment, I looked at the sorrow-ridden woman. "It's true, there is so much sadness. I'm prayerful for those people and do care."
I was twisting my bag of green beans shut as I allowed my smile to return. "But God's bigger than all of that, and no one can take away the joy of the fact that He's..."
That's as far as I got before she turned in a huff and walked away.
Yep, that's the teeny-tiny scenario I am working through in my head because I feel like it's the huge reality we are facing in the world.

It's a struggle to balance warning my kids to be cautious, but rest in the knowledge that God's in control....pray and try to share God's unfailing love, but realize not all will accept it....know that God saved me, but will reject those who reject Him....
I am not saying just sit and smile passively and don't say anything against all of the bad...
What I am saying is; stand up for what's right and true. Don't let hate consume you and turn you into exactly what the enemy is shooting for. That's the point keep the focus; eyes on the Lord! He'll direct us, and sometimes it might be into some tough spots-way rougher than the little story I just shared. Still, if I can't maintain my greater joy in times like that, how will I ever last in those?!

I just can't apologize for dwelling on His glory. My smile doesn't mean I'm ignoring the hurt and needs of others, or that I'm not going through some of my own. It does mean that I refuse to let all of that keep me from rejoicing over His saving grace!

I love you guys, He loves you more!