I noticed a scratch on the kitchen floor.
“Where did that come from?” I asked as I pointed it out to my husband.
“I don’t know.” He said.
The next day, I looked down on the ground and there were probably about 5 more. What in the world?!
I had just put felt-bottoms on those chairs. It makes no sense at all that they would be damaging the floors like this. But, they were. . .
I got down on my hands and knees, flipped the chair over, only to find a rock about the size of two specks of pepper.
This little rock could do that much damage? I said to myself while holding it in my hand.
It certainly can.
What little rock do you have in your life right now? Mine is complaining.
I keep on speaking-out what is not right, what hasn’t happened, and what isn’t coming together. I’ve been griping a bit. I’ve been being a little dour and sour. Commenting on little things. . .far too much.
“Show hospitality to one another without complaining.” (1 Pet. 4:9)
But, the reality of this is: I haven’t been creating a hospitable atmosphere for my family. The environment shifts the second I speak-out — a bad attitude.
What about you?
Are you uplifting others or killing the joy? Speaking life or making everyone participate in your every annoying moment?
People don’t remember the food we made them, the house we let them walk into, nor the gifts we sent them away with — they remember how we made them feel. Even more, I wonder today, how am I making the Holy Spirit feel, as He lives within me.
Are we being hospitable to the Holy Spirit, who indwells within us?
Today, I commit to all of you, to do my best, to mind my mouth. To think before I speak. To bring my grievances to God. To gain perspective before blurting-out. Now, I probably won’t be perfect (because who is?), but I do plan to be mindful.
Prayer: Father God, may I speak only what is good, noble, worthy and of good report. I want to love others around them, not pull them down into my muck and mire. Give me the grace I need to focus on what is positive and powerful, in you. Then, I will be full of joy and life. Give me the wisdom, as well, to speak thanksgving more than complaint. When I think of it, I do have so much to be thankful for. I praise you today, In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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I was just convicted about a seemingly small thing. I’ve long needed to cut down on sugar. I don’t usually pig out on huge pieces of cake or several donuts–it’s more often an accumulation of little treats here and there that add up.
I don’t often speak out complaints, but I let them simmer inside, which is just as bad. Harboring complaints sours my view of others that I’m supposed to love and minister to. Thanks for the reminder of the damage that little things can do.
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What a powerful and humbling question: “What little rock do you have in your life right now?”
Thank you for challenging me today. Sharing this.
Oh, heavens this is a powerful parable, Kelly. Little rocks, little complaints, little compromises…
Lord, Help Us!
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My rock is probably a lack of self-control is one particular area. Thanks for challenging me to look at this today. laurensparks.net
My rock this morning was my frustration with a comment said by a family member which turned into a gripe. And latter a prompting of the holy spirit to ask their forgiveness. Those little rocks can cause damage. What a great picture this post makes.
How often our little words can scratch up a foundation just like the little pebble did on your floor. May I be more mindful today of the good and bad power of even small words!
Thanks for this post! I really like the analogy! The part about hospitality jumped out at me. I usually think of doing hospitality for those outside the family. But why? Family members need to be shown honor, too! Thanks for pointing this out!
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