Its interesting how some moments you can feel so good and then other moments you can feel...well not as good as you would like.  I have noticed a couple things that get me down.  I don't stay down long, but they cause me to momentarily feel frustrated.

Does that ever happen to you?  Do you have moments of frustration?  Do you stay down long?  Or are you able to get a hold of your feelings and get back on track? 

For me I get down when my kids talk back to me.  It get gets me down.  I do my best to make them happy and its still not good enough.  They still want more.  What else can I do?  Why don't they respect me some of the time?  Why are they so good most of the time, but then mean and out of control at other times?

You're probably saying, "that's just how kids are Chuck. My kids are the same way and even worse." Or perhaps you say, "my kids are angels. They can do no wrong.  You must be a bad parent?"

There is a deeper question that I thought about.  Think about this comparison.  For those who believe in God.  Aren't we sons and daughters of God.  I wonder if we make Him feel this way some of the time?  I wonder if he feels the same way when we complain and curse about a little issue that comes up, and not notice all the blessings He gives us each day because they are still not good enough?  We are given so much be we still want more? Think about that comparison and ask yourself if that is disrespectful of us to our heavenly father?  We are not bad people, but some of the time we probably get God down just like I explained how my kids get me down. 

Do you think that could be the case for you and some of your actions?  Is it possible you hurt the heart of God?  I know I do it.  I don't want to do it.  I am sure my kids don't want to get me down either. 

If you have kids, next time they get you upset or down, take a deep breath and give thanks.  Give thanks that you have kids.  Give thanks that they are mostly good.  Give thanks that they are protected, healthy and happy.  Give thanks for all the times they bring joy to you.  Give thanks for all the great moments to come in your life together.  Give thanks that your father in heaven has forgiven you for the times you have let Him down.  

If you don't feel forgiven. Just ask!  It is written. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

A big part to living the life you love is to forgive. Forgive yourself and forgive others.  Instead of complaining lets be thankful!  If something gets you down. First recognize it.  Next realize its a contrast to the feeling you want to have.  Then give thanks to God that you were made known of the issue that caused you to get down and give it away to Him.  Let Him cleanse you from it.  Then put on a BIG smile and be thankful that there are so many BETTER things to think about! 

Smile Always!

Chuck Carstensen

www.DiscoverYourSuccess.net

www.thediscoveryteam.com