Better Not Bitter

My friend reminded me of this a few weeks ago as we were visiting and praying together.

Every day is practice for becoming who we will be later on in life. I see this played out starkly in elderly folks.

Some are bound up in bitterness and resentment. That's what they practiced throughout life, so that's who they are in old age.

Some people, like my grandma, chose the sunny side of life, even though life wasn't always sunny. Her positive attitude and reliance on the Lord have made her better.

I try hard to practice becoming who I want to be later in life, and I'm trying to instill that in my children. The carelessness of today can easily become a bad habit throughout life.

One of my children is very sensitive and empathetic. This child is either a 0 or 10 in words and actions--there is absolutely no middle ground. For someone who is usually on an emotional plateau, I am often at my wit's end knowing how to handle the situations that arise here.

After a very hard morning dealing with said child, my friend popped in, saw my tears, and at my request, talked to my child. I thought I had a new kid when she was done! She is gifted in listening, counseling, and helping others see what is really going on in their heads and hearts.

She was able to help my child see that his/her life is valuable to God and people here, and she helped him/her find ways to cope with raging emotions. This child was able to put words to some of the feelings inside that he/she wasn't sure how to handle.

(I hate using him/her language; I'd rather be specific, but my children read this blog sometimes, and I want to make sure not to embarrass them.)

I'm so thankful to have my children and to have occasions that friends step in and fill in the gaps where I am so inadequate.

Hopefully, my family and I can learn together to become better and not let life make us bitter.