The Plague of "I's"

I’ve come to realize there are two “I’s” that continue to plague me: impatience and irritability. They are like cousins in crime that aren’t fun to be around.

I believe there’s been an upsurge in impatience and irritability post- COVID. What adds to the surge? Hot summers. Crowds. Traveling. Wearing masks. Crazy drivers. Annoying people. Plane delays. Maybe you can add a few more of your own?

We’re sorely afraid to admit that sometimes we’re the annoying person.  We rarely look long and hard at our own stuff because frankly, we don’t want to. We’d rather avoid looking and hope that others don’t take note. However, it’s super easy to see these traits in others.

I had to get a grip on this in my own life recently. This week, I had to make an unexpected trip out of town. It wasn’t bad enough to get up at 3:45 a.m. that morning. Add to that, I forgot my backpack that I needed for the trip! These kinds of situations spell impatience and a ton of irritability. God pointed out quite clearly, while traveling, that these were two areas that He wanted to deal with me on. Even thought I was tired and cranky, I am still called to be a bearer of peace, patience and gentleness.

Just as I was about to beat myself up for my failures in this area, God, in his grace, reminded me of the grace I had been given by Jesus. God sent his Son Jesus to the cross to be a sin offering for me and for you. For a moment I had forgotten his walk to the cross, his death and resurrection and his sacrifice for my sin. I had forgotten that all I had to do was ask for help with my impatience and irritability and Jesus would help me. I had forgotten how God sees me as his beloved, in spite of my sin. I was trying to do better on my own and failed miserably.

Whether we’re busy, vacationing, stressed out, at work or at a crowded concert, these two “I’s” will come rising out of nowhere in us. Be sure of it! Be sure, there ARE annoying things and people in life that can be undeniably frustrating. Yet I believe, God calls us to extend grace and respond with grace. He teaches us the value of practicing patience. God reminds us in Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” How would letting your gentleness be evident to all change things in you? Others aorund you?

In Proverbs 15:1, it says “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Wow! What if I took this seriously in all my responses? What if I responded with a gentle answer? It would not only change me, but those around me! This is so opposite of irritability! How I long for this!

Time to crush the plague of the I’s. The Lord is near. He truly desires to transforms us if we only ask.

We want to live the rest of our days as encouragers and “builder-uppers”-slow to react harshly and take things personally, and lightning-quick to believe the best about others.” Scotty Smith

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. 

The Invasion of Storms

The month of May here in Texas was a taste of what all of us, at some point, experience in life: the invasion of storms. The storms came at all times of the day, some with warnings of severe wind and larger than life hail and other times, no warning whatsoever. The invasion of these storms had their affects on most of us.

I experienced such an invasion just this week. My brother and I had just felt a bit of relief in seeing my dad thrive in his new assited living apartment. We had also sensed some relief with the selling of his house and possessions. Now, just this week, my dad (at 95) broke his hip, had surgery and still in the hospital recovering. The invasion of storms.

In Matthew 14, 22-23, the story of Jesus coming to his disciples walking on the water is truly such a mind-blowing event in the gospels. See if you can relate to Jesus. After a long day of ministry, Jesus just wanted some time away. He just wanted to rest and spend time with his Father.

He asked the disciples to get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side of the lake. At evening, the boat experienced severe waves. Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. (Did you read that right? Yes!) When the disciples saw Jesus, they were terrified. They thought Jesus was a ghost. Listen to the text here:

“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage!” It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, it it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith.” He said, “why do you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:27-33)

The reality of this story to our daily life hit me! Here are some takeaways for us in our lives:

1.    Jesus will allow us to go through storms. He certainly did with the disciples. Whether you’re following God or not, God uses the difficulties in our lives to shape us more into his image, remind us of our need for him and shows us who He really is.

2.     There was never a moment is this story where Jesus wasn’t present. He knew all along what they were going through. He came at just the right time to his disciples.

3.    Our focus has to be on Jesus, as we walk through storms. The disciples just wanted to see the storm stop. We’d probably be the same way! They had to be tired of rowing and rowing. They were so focused on getting through it, that they missed him when he came to them walking on the water. Jesus wants us to keep our eyes on Him. He will see us through.

4.    Do not be afraid with the storm you're in! The disciples had nothing to fear because God was in control. When Peter’s faith faltered, he reached out to Christ. Yes, he was afraid when he saw the wind, but look at how Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught Peter!

This story is such a comfort when the invasion of the storm occurs. It also gives us the courage to keep on walking and trusting God each day. May God carry you and help you keep your eyes on Him during the invasion of the storm.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Seize your Summer

My husband got the the cutest gift in the mail today. It was a t-shirt with these words: “I’m 420 in dog years.” Do some division and the news is that my husband just turned the big 6-0!  

Most of you are probably thinking “Gee, he is is soooo old!” Well the truth is, no matter what age, life seems to go buy at a rapid pace. Even during COVID, when we all thought life was a snail’s pace, time seemed to tick away. So, here we are slowly moving past COVID, and we have an opportunity to make our days matter.

Ready, set, go! Summer has basically begun! Summer is filled with plenty of opportunities, but the big question is what we do with them? What would make this summer be your best summer EVER? Do you have a few summer goals you’d like to accomplish? What fitness goals do you have for yourself? What new restaurants do you want to try? What character traits do you wish to work on? How do you want to grow spiritually? How do you want to challenge your mind? What NEW things (things you’ve NEVER done before) can you try over the course of the summer? I’m creating a working list.

What would it look like to seize your summer? Like really make the most of every day you’ve been given? In Psalm 90:12 it says “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Looking at this verse a bit more closely. John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible Commentary writes “Not merely to count them, how many they are, in an arithmetical way; there is no need of divine teachings for that… nor is this to be understood of calculating or reckoning of time to come- no man can count the number of days he has to live….But rather the meaning of the petition is, that God would teach us to number our days, as if the present one was the last….. But the sense is, that God would teach us seriously to meditate on, and consider the shortness of our days.”

Meditating on this verse always draws me back to a spirit of gratitude. Life is short! God wants me to number my days and when I do that, there is wisdom to be found. I love starting my day with reading God’s word and praying through items in my prayer journal.. That discipline truly helps me focus in on God in every aspect of my life. I give Him my day. My meetings. My activities. The people that I’m praying for. I’m very aware that I need God to help me thrive this very day. That helps me seize the day before me…savoring the many gifts I have, thus being so incredibly grateful.

Seize the summer. Savor this day.  Grab ahold of God. He truly wants to help you thrive not just someday, but today.

“So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those are who are wise.” Ephesians 5:15 (NLT)

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

Road Rage

Road rage seems to be a notch higher post COVID. A few days ago, I watched something unfold that could best be described as “road refusal.” I had entered my correct left turn lane proceeding to go forward to catch the green light arrow in front of me. Alas, a young woman decided to turn right in front of me, but got stuck right in front of me, due to oncoming traffic. I honked my horn, which only made her road rage escalate. I probably shouldn’t have, but I almost hit her!

I then received my due punishment. Even though her path cleared to turn, she decided to block my way. She just stopped, opened her window and just smirked as if to say “I’m not moving.” I was dumfounded.

I was grateful I was almost home. I can still see her smirk on her face, just wanting me to do something. I didn’t thankfully, but boy, I was tempted.

Taking offense when others behave badly is easy to do. Yet, taking offense when others behave badly allow others to dictate your emotions and your quality of life going forward. Just think, that young woman could have had the power to destroy my day! When someone wrongs us, we instantly feel the need for justice and fairness. We feel we have “the right to be angry” and give a revenge due their wrong committed. It’s so stinking natural to respond like this! It took me everything I could to just stop, wait, and move my car when she decided to stop blocking my way.

I think it’s helpful to turn to Jesus in the Gospels for help in these matters. He did things correctly. He was perfect. He was the Son of God. And though Christians make a ton of mistakes and sin all the time, Jesus doesn’t. At His most difficult time on earth, during his betrayal, floggings, carrying the cross and being mocked by others, Jesus had more right to take offense than anyone! So many had harmed and wronged him! Yes, he saw past all those who wronged him and instead was able to say “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do?” (Luke 23:34)

What? How could Jesus do this? Here, in this place of great agony, pain and experience the worst of all offenses and injustices, Jesus chose a different way. Mercy. Grace. Forgiveness. Love. Compassion. Prayer. I want my life to look more like Jesus’ life. I know He can help me learn to live without offense.

Consider personally: What are those wounds or insecurities that can cause you to easily take offense? Tell God what's hard for you. He cares. He already knows! Then, ask Him to help you look past other’s brokenness and live with a heart of forgiveness. Ask Him to help you love others like Jesus loved. God will help us in this. We can learn a new way.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.