by Susan Causey, M.Ed., LPC, FPD School Counselor
Have you ever had one of those mornings when “Murphy’s Law” takes over? You know the axiom that says, “Whatever can go wrong, will.” It may start with not wanting to get out of bed. Then, when you get to the kitchen, you find your husband, who was sweet enough to fry shrimp for dinner the night before, forgot to throw out the grease. So, in your state of stupor, you try to put the grease in a container but end up spilling it all over the counter. After you clean up the mess, you pour the wrong creamer in your coffee and burn your tongue tasting it. You accidently step on the cat’s tail. Then it takes you 20 minutes to decide what to wear because the forecast has changed. When you finally decide, you discover a hole in the armpit of the shirt. Eventually you realize … it’s going to be one of those days. Your “biorhythms” are off. You are not on your game. “Murphy’s Law” will try to get the best of you.
Sometimes parenting can be just like this. Despite our best efforts and our good intentions, one thing after the other goes wrong. Instead of feeling defeated, let this be a cue to PRAY. You may simply pray, “Jesus, please help me to get through this day with grace.” When we are weak, His strength shines through. These verses from 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 put it like this, “But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” With this transfer of power, our most difficult days become a testimony for Him.
As we pour our trust into the Lord, He will direct our thoughts, actions and words. When we realize our powerlessness, we lean more heavily on His guidance as we pray our way through the day. Thank the Lord for our “sheep-like state.” (Sheep are clueless.) It is in recognizing our cluelessness, that we are drawn to Him and His omnipotence. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I have heard it said that as a Christian, instead of saying, “Good Lord! It’s morning?” we should say, “Good morning, Lord!” Put Him in charge of your next “Murphy’s Law” morning – and all your mornings. He will accomplish what concerns you.