Friday, August 31, 2007

down days

Today (Thursday) I guess was kind of a "down day" for me. It was one of those days that while nothing bad happened, indeed some good things actually did happen, yet for myself it was a struggle to do much more than the work I had to do. A big part of that for me is because of lack of sleep due to our crazy (at times) schedule right now.

But was it a bad day? It sure seemed like it in some ways to me, as I was just trying to function. But I've learned through the years that one can't take seriously down days because they will come. Of course it's another story if one is having one bad day after another.

It's not a question of whether or not it was a "down day" for us, since we more than likely mean our experience of the day. But we have to ask ourselves did we in God through Christ seek to do the right thing. If at the end of each day we can say that by grace we did, or made things right when we had to, then we can thank God at the end of the day for that, regardless of whether the day was difficult or not.

Looking back on this day, I can recall good and sweet fellowship in the Lord with others. Grace and peace from God. So although my experience especially in the afternoon was challenging for me (I dozed off slightly twice at left green turn signals!), I can thank God that no matter what I may be experiencing God is bigger than that. And that he can take this day and make it by grace good in his eyes, as I commit it to him from beginning to end, and throughout.

What about you? How do you handle your down days?

10 comments:

Allan R. Bevere said...

Ted:

One of the things I attempt to do on down days is to think about all the persons in the world whose day has been touched by grief and mourning and devastation and violence. Then my day doesn't appear as bad.

Anonymous said...

thank you for sharing that, ted. it sounds like you are very tired, indeed and that some the Lord's sweetness helped to carry you through the day, yesterday. i know that my life experience, as well as yours, as you mentioned, that God's grace is good, and that He can make our life good in His way, as we give our selves to Him. I praise God. God bless you in your day, brother ted.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Allan, Perspective that that brings does help. We think we have it bad until we remember people who really do. I need to think more in these terms during my down days. Thanks.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Nancy, Thanks for that good note. We need to stay in touch and in harmony with the Lord and then his music can come through into and out from our lives.

Craver Vii said...

On my down days, I sure appreciate a brother who comes alongside to pick me up. :-)

You are a regular pick-me-up. I appreciate you!

joe said...

down days. the big thing for me is not building on them. i have to be careful to not start going on a downward spiral. so i need to be intentional of taking bad days to god and setting them at his feet, because he still wants to use me, even that day.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Craver, You're generous. Actually these pick me up many times, but so do you with your humor and desire to be faithful to the Lord and the gospel.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Joe, Good and important words for us all. So important. Amazing what God does and we can expect low times and down days. Jesus walked through them and so must we, God being with us in Christ.

Motu said...

Good word Ted. I have recently been convicted in my heart that during my down days, I don't make it other people's down days as well. I can be emotional at times, and that is ok we are all emotional beings. I'm now learning to use my emotions as a signal to read where I am in my life. And not to use them to manipulate or effect others in a negative manner. Hope that makes sense.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Motu,

That makes plenty of sense. We all encounter pressures or struggle for different reasons. To concentrate by grace on doing the right thing is helpful for me. And at times that means to make things right, of course.