Tip of My Iceberg

We were using my son-in-law’s truck to pick up some merchandise, and Kolly was not up for the adventure.

On our way to the store, I sat in the back seat with her, and she tolerated me. She was civil, but she wasn’t her happy, grinning self. It was wretchedly hot in her carseat.

Her fascination with stores and trinkets is typical of two-year-olds. While we waited for help to load our merchandise, Kolly spied a plastic mushroom. She cupped it as if it was a precious gift, fascinated with its bright red color, and desperately wanting it. She had no idea there was candy inside–she wanted the toy. When her mom refused, kind Kolly became irritated. She has quite a loud voice when she chooses to use it. And use it she did.

Her mom hustled her outside and put her in her carseat, where Kolly launched into a full-scale crying jag. She couldn’t stop herself if she wanted to. It didn’t help that it was miserably hot and humid outside, her little face turning red with the emotional exertion.

We stopped at a store–I needed a few items, and we thought it might distract her. It was cooler inside, and the change of scenery helped her calm down. We picked up the few things needed and threw in a donut for good measure.

You never know when a donut will come in handy.

When we returned to the truck, her mom sat in back with her, and as she was gearing up to cry again, she was offered the donut. Chocolate icing and all.

Her demeanor changed immediately–a sweet treat to take her mind off how uncomfortably hot it was in her carseat. It didn’t change her discomfort; it did change her attitude about her circumstances.

Kolly has a lot more freedom to express dissatisfaction with her current situation than I do. As an adult, I’m supposed to be more tolerant of things that challenge me, making choices that are rational rather than reactive.

I don’t always want to do that. Sometimes I want to throw a fit.

Sometimes I do anyway. Just because it feels good.

The apostle Paul spoke of how knowing Jesus can keep our minds focused on what’s wholesome and good. He understood that where are minds are centered, our hearts and emotions follow.

“And now, dear brothers and sister, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8

Kolly had no control over her circumstances, and she didn’t have the maturity to deal with the discomfort of heated containment. When I lose perspective and become disrupted by my circumstances, my mind isn’t on anything hopeful. If my mind stays in dark places for any length of time, I become desolate and even bitter.

Jesus reminded us that His purpose in coming was not just temporary contentment but permanent joy.

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with My joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!!” John 15:11

We all have days that are filled with discomfort, disruption, and discontent. Having a chance to redirect our thoughts can help with our attitudes. And actions.

Sweeter attitudes can change your day.