One of Those Days | Colossians 3:15-16

Welcome to Real Life. I awoke this morning tired, sad, and mean.

“I've had the sort of day that would make St. Francis of Assisi kick babies.”
― Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul

I'm having one of those days. Actually, two of those days. Yesterday, wasn’t great either. I made some stupid mistakes at work. Then, last night, I offended my husband. He went to bed without speaking to me.

If I felt brave enough to face the mirror, I’m pretty sure I'd find an “F” for failure scrawled in permanent marker across my forehead. I'm ready to quit everything and hide in a corner of my attic.

Instead, I grab a cup of coffee, sit at my desk, and open my Bible. (Thank God for deeply ingrained routines.) The first verse I read is,

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
(Colossians 3:15 NIV)

“How can I let your peace rule when I feel so unpeaceful?” I ask my God. As I'm writing the question in my journal, I already know the answer, “By letting you rule my heart and mind.” And I pray, “Father God, change my heart and mind.”

The admonition to “be thankful” is beyond my reach at this point. So, I read on.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
(Colossians 3:16 NIV)

“As you teach and admonish” reminds me. Amanda’s coming over tonight for a mentoring session. Mentoring is definitely on my Quit List this morning. As I reread the verse, I remember. I’m not sharing my message. I’m sharing the message of Christ. Even though my wisdom’s left the building, I know Christ’s message. I know it well. A feeling of gratitude emerges for years of spiritual disciplines—Bible reading, prayer, church, classes, retreats, and the like.

Your message dwells richly in me, Lord. Though I feel like a failure. I know my worth is not dependent on how I feel. My worth is dependent on how you feel about me. You love me. You value me. You treasure me—even today. Especially today. Will you put one of those Spirit-songs in my heart?

I love God’s humor. In that moment, what pops into my mind is a song for little ones. It's one I sang with toddlers in the church nursery—complete with hand motions.

My God is so great, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do.

My God is so great, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do.
The mountains are his, the rivers are his, the stars are His handiwork, too.
My God is so great, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do, for you!

For the first time since crawling out of bed, I'm smiling. I seek out my husband and apologize. We hug. I decide to keep my appointment with Amanda.

There’s nothing my God cannot do—for you! Even on one of those days.

Are you having one of those days? I'd love to pray for you! Please send me a message or leave a comment.