Proverbs 12:16

This morning I got up a little after 6 because I wanted to try something new. I made some coffee and sat on the couch and read my Bible. This is something that I've been wanting to do for a long time. I keep saying that I want to get closer to God but don't do anything about it. I'm tired of just feeling like a "good person". I really desire to have a better personal relationship with my Savior. I think one of the first ways to do that is to read his word. One of my goals this year is to grow Spiritually and get back the Passion I once had.

I wanted to share with you something that I read this morning. When I read it, it kinda struck a nerve with me and I read it several more times. Each time thinking deeper about it.

"Fools quickly show that they are upset, but the wise ignore insults." Proverbs 12:16

This really started me to think. Being upset in and of itself is not a sin. It's normal to get your feelings hurt or get angry, but it's when those feelings cause you to act like a fool that you are sinning. For me personally, this is much easier said than done. I was raised in a house that is quick to show they are upset and even quicker to react on it. Being with Nathan these past 5 years has showed me how much better it is to remain calm and not be so quick to react. (Doesn't mean I always follow it, but I do see it's better.)

I also think this scripture is talking about being quick to take offense. In our relationship, Nathan and I recently started trying to REALLY consider each other's heart when they do or say something instead of jumping to conclusions and taking things the wrong way. I am the type that is quick to speak up about every little thing that bothers me and Nathan is the type that wont say anything until we are in a disagreement and then unload ten things that happened. Neither are the right way. So we have been trying very hard to take a step back and not let our first emotion carry us away. Lately it has made a big difference.

Overall, this is a hard lesson to learn. Well, at least it is for me. If there is a long line I have to wait in, Addison is whining too much, or just a bunch of other little things. I think I do well for a while and then hit that limit that takes me over the edge. Example: your car has a warning when filling up with gas, "Do not top off - might cause explosion." I believe it's natural to get upset about things, we are humans with emotions and hormones. We just can't let our feelings cause us to act out in a way that is not like Christ. If I feel like I'm getting "too full" that I might explode, I need to take a step back. Ask the Holy Spirit to help me with my emotions, take a deep breathe, take a break if possible, and then come back to the situation.

I don't know if I will continue to wake up early to read my Bible, but I will be reading it. I'm really glad that I read mine this morning because I will be practicing this as best I can!