Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m assuming you’re getting a bit irritated by the continued quarantine. I am. I needed a quick quarantine attitude-check one day this past week. Things seemed to happen throughout the day that led me to a low-grade ongoing irritation. Just like a fever, it persisted, until I got my act together.
I try to blame my irritability on someone or something else. That only makes sense, right? But, when I did a personal check in with my own attitude, the only one to blame was myself. I let the challenges of my day get the best of me. I’m not even going to tell you all the things…but here’s one of them. Why, oh why, doesn’t HEB or Costco or anywhere else, carry hand sanitizer? Silly, right? We all know the answer...because they don't.
We’re all in this irritability boat together, but let’s set our sails to a different course. Our irritations not only affect us, but they affect those around us. Just think how easy it could be to take the lack of hand sanitizer out on the HEB employee at the cash register? I’m not going to do that, but aren’t we tempted to share our irritations with others? Have you ever listened to yourself be irritable? Try it sometime. You’re not pleasant to be with and I’m not either.
Paul speaks about irritability in his famous passage in 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil.” The Greek word used here can also be translated “incited” or “kindled.” It’s the idea that love is not irritable. We are not to become too quickly or too easily provoked to anger.
We get irritated when something we want is denied or denied, or disrupted like we see now with COVID-19. It’s basically a selfish response to what we want.
When is it cool to be irritated? Never.
I encourage you to ask God today to show you when you tend to get irritated. Ask him to forgive you for your irritable spirit. Take time with God to write down the times you tend to get most irritated during this COVID -19. If you’re really bold, ask those who know you best: “When am I frequently irritable?” Pray daily that you can walk through these days loving others and extending much grace.
"The more I remember God’s lavish love for us in Jesus, the more I forget to be irritated with others. The ultimate goal is not being less irritated, but more like Jesus. It isn’t the promise to do better, but the commitment to repent quicker.” Scotty Smith
“Fools show their annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult” Proverbs 12:16
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, April 27, 2020
Monday, April 20, 2020
Contentment in Quarantine
Contentment hasn’t always been easy for me, maybe not for you either. You know the phrase, “the grass is always greener on the other side?” Who doesn’t look at the life of someone else and think why them and not me? Who doesn’t wish that they had the greener grass in some ways?
We’re all looking for a bit greener grass these days. Our lives, as we know it, have changed dramatically since mid-March. Everyone is wishing for a bit of a different life than what we have now. We would love to go back to some of our freedoms that we took for granted. It is so grievous to hear of so many lives affected by tragedy and loss with COVID-19. Many are suffering from lack of work, income and ability to carry on their normal lives. Lives are forever changed.
Paul, in the Bible, would understand our challenging times. He wrote these penetrating words “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13) Paul was speaking on contentment from prison. Let that sink in….. from prison. Most of us wouldn’t be super content if hanging out in prison each day. But Paul had an inner sense of peace that came from being right with God. Paul knew that God was in control of all that happened to Him. He didn’t allow his difficult circumstances to effect Him like we often do. He was confidant that God was for him and would see him through. As I study Paul’s writings, I learn so much from His mindset, attitude, courage and perseverance amidst his trials!
God prepared the life that you are currently living just for YOU! Examine God’s blessings on your life today. There are many! Thank Him for what you do have and trust Him for what you lack. Stop searching for the greener grass. Tell God your hurts and pains and ask Him to help you find contentment in Him. He will see you through.
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10
“The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.” Chuck Swindoll
“True contentment is a thing as active as agriculture. It is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it. It is arduous and it is rare. “ G. K. Chesterton
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
We’re all looking for a bit greener grass these days. Our lives, as we know it, have changed dramatically since mid-March. Everyone is wishing for a bit of a different life than what we have now. We would love to go back to some of our freedoms that we took for granted. It is so grievous to hear of so many lives affected by tragedy and loss with COVID-19. Many are suffering from lack of work, income and ability to carry on their normal lives. Lives are forever changed.
Paul, in the Bible, would understand our challenging times. He wrote these penetrating words “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13) Paul was speaking on contentment from prison. Let that sink in….. from prison. Most of us wouldn’t be super content if hanging out in prison each day. But Paul had an inner sense of peace that came from being right with God. Paul knew that God was in control of all that happened to Him. He didn’t allow his difficult circumstances to effect Him like we often do. He was confidant that God was for him and would see him through. As I study Paul’s writings, I learn so much from His mindset, attitude, courage and perseverance amidst his trials!
God prepared the life that you are currently living just for YOU! Examine God’s blessings on your life today. There are many! Thank Him for what you do have and trust Him for what you lack. Stop searching for the greener grass. Tell God your hurts and pains and ask Him to help you find contentment in Him. He will see you through.
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10
“The remarkable thing is, we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.” Chuck Swindoll
“True contentment is a thing as active as agriculture. It is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it. It is arduous and it is rare. “ G. K. Chesterton
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, April 13, 2020
Remember When?
Picture yourself 10 years from now sitting down at the dinner table with your family at Easter. In the middle of your Easter dinner, you recall past Easters. Before long, you say “Remember when we were locked down in quarantine for Easter?” The little ones at the time didn’t remember much, so they asked you to share about Easter 2020. “Well, it was quite a crazy time in our world back then….
Ten years from now, what will you say about Easter 2020?
Of course, I would tell others about the horrific loss of life in our country and around the world. I would share about the brave workers on the front lines like the doctors, nurses, childcare workers, grocery workers, first responders, public servants and more. I would share funny stories about going potentially stir crazy in my home. I would share how we watched online church from our couch. I would share about donning a mask and gloves and sailing through my HEB, first and foremost making a beeline for the toilet paper aisle. Of course, I’d share about my fears, uncertainties and concerns for the future.
More than anything else, I would be sure to share about my faith being tested during the COVID-19 virus. I would share how Easter came at a perfect time for me…..right in the middle of the quarantine! This unique, quiet and contained Easter allowed me to engage more in Jesus’ walk to the cross, feel His death and savor His resurrection. I saw in the Bible, Jesus, after his resurrection, encouraging his disciples by saying “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19) It seemed as if Jesus was telling me the same, “Nancy, peace be with you!” I remembered that the “same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me” (Romans 8:11) and that did it!!!!! I would stand strong in faith and truly believe that Christ lives in me and I need not fear. Period. I would walk through this virus with confidence and hope and seek to pass that on to others.
Yes, that’s what I would say 10 years later. I would talk about my how my faith was tested and God got me through!
If this COVID-19 period is testing your faith, maybe that’s a good thing. I want my faith to be tested! I want to rise up and walk with courage through this with Jesus at my side. Let’s embrace these moments of our day and trust our God to see us through. Happy Day-After-Easter!
“I can see waters raging at my feet. I can feel the breath of those surrounding me. I can hear the sound of nations rising up. We will not be overtaken. We will not be overcome. I can walk down this dark and painful road. I can face every fear of the unknown. I can hear all God’s children singing out. We will not be overtaken. We will not be overcome. The same power that rose Jesus from the grave. The same power that commands the dead to wake lives in us, lives in us. The same power that moves mountains when He speaks. The same power that can calm a raging sea lives in us, lives in us. He lives in us, lives in us.“ (Same Power, Jeremy Camp)
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Ten years from now, what will you say about Easter 2020?
Of course, I would tell others about the horrific loss of life in our country and around the world. I would share about the brave workers on the front lines like the doctors, nurses, childcare workers, grocery workers, first responders, public servants and more. I would share funny stories about going potentially stir crazy in my home. I would share how we watched online church from our couch. I would share about donning a mask and gloves and sailing through my HEB, first and foremost making a beeline for the toilet paper aisle. Of course, I’d share about my fears, uncertainties and concerns for the future.
More than anything else, I would be sure to share about my faith being tested during the COVID-19 virus. I would share how Easter came at a perfect time for me…..right in the middle of the quarantine! This unique, quiet and contained Easter allowed me to engage more in Jesus’ walk to the cross, feel His death and savor His resurrection. I saw in the Bible, Jesus, after his resurrection, encouraging his disciples by saying “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19) It seemed as if Jesus was telling me the same, “Nancy, peace be with you!” I remembered that the “same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in me” (Romans 8:11) and that did it!!!!! I would stand strong in faith and truly believe that Christ lives in me and I need not fear. Period. I would walk through this virus with confidence and hope and seek to pass that on to others.
Yes, that’s what I would say 10 years later. I would talk about my how my faith was tested and God got me through!
If this COVID-19 period is testing your faith, maybe that’s a good thing. I want my faith to be tested! I want to rise up and walk with courage through this with Jesus at my side. Let’s embrace these moments of our day and trust our God to see us through. Happy Day-After-Easter!
“I can see waters raging at my feet. I can feel the breath of those surrounding me. I can hear the sound of nations rising up. We will not be overtaken. We will not be overcome. I can walk down this dark and painful road. I can face every fear of the unknown. I can hear all God’s children singing out. We will not be overtaken. We will not be overcome. The same power that rose Jesus from the grave. The same power that commands the dead to wake lives in us, lives in us. The same power that moves mountains when He speaks. The same power that can calm a raging sea lives in us, lives in us. He lives in us, lives in us.“ (Same Power, Jeremy Camp)
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
Monday, April 6, 2020
A New Easter
I love the many traditions we have in our family at Easter! I love hosting a family dinner complete with a Honey Baked Ham. I love decorating blown out Easter eggs with my quilling art. I love preparing and executing the family Easter egg hunt in the back yard. I love attending church and celebrating the wonder of Easter.
This year, none of my “loves” will happen on Easter. I’m truly sad about that. I assume you are adjusting your plans as well. Everything has changed, for everyone. Nothing remains the same for us.
I’ve been struggling to think about how to celebrate Easter this year. I may miss the many traditions we have and our family fun times, but I don’t need to miss out on celebrating Jesus and His resurrection! Laying aside all the busy Easter preparations has caused me to pause and reflect on the resurrection personally. In these moments of extended quiet and isolation, Jesus is very present and available to you and me.
I encourage you to make special plans for the week ahead. We have time, don’t we? It’s funny how we can always find something more important than spending time with God. Maybe, just maybe, now is your time.
I invite you to walk through the week with Christ as He walked toward the cross. Take in the smells, sounds and experiences that Jesus went through. Try to feel what He felt. Allow yourself to imagine the pain and agony He went through on our behalf. Journal any of your thoughts and responses to God as you go through this week.
Monday- Read Luke 19:41-48
Tuesday- Read Luke 20
Wednesday- Read Luke 21
Thursday- Read Luke 22:1-65
Friday- Read Luke 22:66-71 and Luke 23:1-56
Saturday- Read Luke 23:56 and Isaiah 53
Easter Sunday- Read Luke 24 and Isaiah 52:7-10
Maybe, just maybe, this Easter will be the best new Easter you’ve ever had. Happy Easter!
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” 1 John 3:16a
“In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3
“Christ the Lord is risen today, sons of men and angels say. Raise your joys and triumphs high; sing, ye heavens and earth reply.” – Charles Wesley
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
This year, none of my “loves” will happen on Easter. I’m truly sad about that. I assume you are adjusting your plans as well. Everything has changed, for everyone. Nothing remains the same for us.
I’ve been struggling to think about how to celebrate Easter this year. I may miss the many traditions we have and our family fun times, but I don’t need to miss out on celebrating Jesus and His resurrection! Laying aside all the busy Easter preparations has caused me to pause and reflect on the resurrection personally. In these moments of extended quiet and isolation, Jesus is very present and available to you and me.
I encourage you to make special plans for the week ahead. We have time, don’t we? It’s funny how we can always find something more important than spending time with God. Maybe, just maybe, now is your time.
I invite you to walk through the week with Christ as He walked toward the cross. Take in the smells, sounds and experiences that Jesus went through. Try to feel what He felt. Allow yourself to imagine the pain and agony He went through on our behalf. Journal any of your thoughts and responses to God as you go through this week.
Monday- Read Luke 19:41-48
Tuesday- Read Luke 20
Wednesday- Read Luke 21
Thursday- Read Luke 22:1-65
Friday- Read Luke 22:66-71 and Luke 23:1-56
Saturday- Read Luke 23:56 and Isaiah 53
Easter Sunday- Read Luke 24 and Isaiah 52:7-10
Maybe, just maybe, this Easter will be the best new Easter you’ve ever had. Happy Easter!
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” 1 John 3:16a
“In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3
“Christ the Lord is risen today, sons of men and angels say. Raise your joys and triumphs high; sing, ye heavens and earth reply.” – Charles Wesley
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
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