"have to" turned into "able to"

This morning was one of those mornings where I woke up in a slightly less than cheerful mood. I found myself at odds with my husband, my kids, and even myself. I knew my emotions were on edge because I wasn't feeling the best physically and hadn't had enough sleep. That warning bell went off in my head..."watch how you react and what you are saying." As I've been allowing holiness to truly become a part of every minute of my life these reminders come often. I knew I could either forget it all and go off on anyone around me or reign it in and handle the unraveling morning calmly.

As I was getting ready this morning, still in my slightly less than cheerful mood, I was spouting off all the things I "had" to do today. I HAVE to take care of two kids, I HAVE to get some things done at church, I HAVE to do laundry. I instantly remembered a book I read a few years back that said we don't HAVE to do anything - we are allowed the blessing of being ABLE to do things. I immediately stopped and said, "Lord, I'm thankful that I am ABLE to take care of two beautiful children, I'm thankful that I am ABLE to serve my church, I'm even thankful that I'm physically ABLE to do laundry (although I don't love it!)

I don't know where you are today. The weather isn't great and cabin fever is at an all time high. It's easy to become a little "blah!" I encourage you, and myself as well, to be thankful for the abilities we have. Be thankful rather than let our selfish tendencies get the best of us.