Originally written on January 22, 2018

Today I blew up. A parent came to me complaining and attacking me. What she was complaining about was not the school or a teacher but that she had not paid her bill. Fortunately for me, my blowing up was internal, well mostly. When I returned to my desk, I read the devotional for today from “Our Daily Bread” called “It’s in the Attitude.

Your attitude can affect other’s responses. Fortunately, when I looked past the woman’s attitude and saw that she was aggressive because she could not pay, I reevaluated my response. Her aggressiveness was her self-defense, I could see that vulnerability, and I helped her and solved her problem. Her attitude initially affected my attitude. Thanks to God I took a deep breath and all was well. I wish I always handled things well.

James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jas 1:2–3). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

Dear God, When I have problems teach me to accept them with joy and let God work instead of my hurt or anger.