Monday, I was not in a good mood. That’s because I knew I was going to forced to spend the next two days, glued to the computer for an extended Zoom meeting of Annual Conference.
The is the yearly meeting of the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. Each church sends all their clergy and a corresponding number of laity to worship, hear reports, guide the ministry of the conference, and ordain new clergy.
In the past, the highlight of Annual Conference would be seeing old friends and making new ones. Sadly, because of the pandemic, in person attendance was so limited, it made more sense to participate by Zoom. I considered it penance for a lot of sin.
When I walked through the doors of Dennis Hall, I was, as Shannon calls me, “Grumpy Tom.” But then Janice, the volunteer staff baby sitter said, “Look what David left you.” And there is was.
David had produced a remarkable piece of art showing the outside of our beautiful sanctuary. I was amazed at his talent. At that moment, I was no longer Grumpy Tom. A wonderful gift had changed my mood.
This got me thinking.
What changed my mood was a gracious gift. Rarely does this happen.
So, how do I determine if I will have a good or bad day? It is a choice.
Today, you will decide what kind of day it will be. You can be grumpy, intolerant, short tempered, impatient, or rude. You can also be kind, patient, tolerant, and gracious. The choice is yours.
Just know, the choice you make will dictate whether you have a good or bad day.
The psalmist said, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
Making the choice to have a good day doesn’t mean you will not deal with problems. You will.
It means choosing to meet the challenges of the day from a healthy, joyous perspective. It means remembering God is with you. It means understanding that God will walk you through it.
Choosing to have a good day means trusting God in the good and bad times of life.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, remind me that I am your child as I face the good and bad of this day. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions. I want my choices to please you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Having a good or bad day is a choice. Choose wisely.
Also, on Monday, my nephew, Sam, was ordained as an Elder in the United Methodist Church. It was a great day.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 