Reactions

The last two days have been difficult.  Tough decisions, fragile relationships, and stress have combined to tear at my heart and others.  The toll that they have taken on those involved will reveal itself in the days and months to come.  I find myself facing a choice.  I can struggle with my weaknesses and moments of failure (some really stupid reactions on my part) or I can focus on what went well.  It is a choice that seems easy as I write; yet the reality is far more complex.  I lost the plot at times.  My words and actions did not reflect the values I hold most dear to my heart.  Even though I have apologized and have been willing to be accountable, I cannot change the impact on others and myself.
I wish my reactions were different.  There are those that react to stress, pain, and uncertainty differently.  Their example is played out when “hearing the report, they lifted their voices in a wonderful harmony in prayer: 'Strong God, you made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.'”  (Acts 4.24, 25)  I had and have the same choice they did.  Even as I failed miserably in yesterday's reaction to life around me, today is an open slate.  Everything is in play.  I have the freedom within to choose how I am going to respond to life around me.
The question with the light of a new day is one of learning.  Am I willing to build on my mistakes?  Will I learn from yesterday's failure?  Do I let the strength of God and those around me make a difference in my steps today.  Candidly, each is a choice provided by the freedom that lives within.  You have this freedom.  Others, including myself, do as well.
There are many reasons that my reaction to life today can be different.  The first starts with how I exercise freedom.  The second with how I respond to the gifts of power from God and others.  The first reaction often dictates everything that follows.  Make your choice wisely.