"He made me so mad!"
"These kids are driving me crazy."
"I just can't take it anymore!"
We've all said these things, but think about it. These phrases and others like them take the power to be happy out of your hands and puts it in someone else's. Girls, let's decide today on THIS Happy Monday to never let anyone else own our happy!
Nobody made you mad. You chose to be mad. Rightfully so? Maybe. Though it be justified, it's you that the response effects most. Control your response, and stop letting someone else. You actually can just be happy ANYWAY!
Nobody is driving you crazy. Do kids know how to push our buttons? Oh, yeah! When it rains, it pours sometimes. I get it. Listen, you are the parent. Stop letting that 2 or 12 year old (or for that matter 30 year old) child own your happy. YOU gave birth to that kid so remind them of that, calling the shots if you need to and determining before the tantrum, attitude, or phone call how you will respond. YOU control your responses, and stop letting your child run your life. You actually can be happy ANYWAY in the face of dirty diapers galore, toys everywhere, all the talking back, arguing in the back seat, & even the messes of life grown children make.
Yes, you CAN take it! You can do ALLLL things through Christ who strengthens you. The question is, WILL you? It's a matter of your will, not your ability. God made you able to withstand any trial you face. That saying "only the strong survive" is truer than true. Pick yourself up, get professional help if needed, and unapologetically do so! Whatever it takes, determine, "Yes, I can take it! Hit me with your best shot. Reject me. Leave me. Criticize me. You cannot take my happy. It's mine. Jesus died for it. How dare I let YOU own my happy?!" No way am I going to make His death be in vain in my life. The chastisement of my peace was upon Him. That means the aggravation of my peace (caused by you) was upon Him. Jesus died so I can be at peace NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO TO ME.
So it's your choice, and it's my choice. Let's control our responses to life, even if there is ultimate loss of whatever sort. It may take a process, help, and lots of prayer and diligence. Whatever the cost, take back your happy and OWN IT!