That Wasn't Very Nice

This morning someone made a comment to me that really hurt my feelings. I took it in stride,  but once I walked away and found myself fighting off tears, I realized how much the comment really hurt me.

I think there are several stages we go through when we get our feelings hurt. This is how it looks for me. First there's the initial "I Can't Believe You Just Said That" phase. Next comes the "Why Would You Want To Hurt Me" phase. After that comes the " Maybe I'll Punch You in the Nose" phase. Finally comes the "Can You Believe She Said That Phase" where I try to suck a few people into being on my side.  At this point in the hurt, I am usually faced with a decision.  Am I going to hang on to it and let it fester, or am I going to turn the other cheek and forgive?

I'd love to be able to tell you I quickly let go of hurtful things,  but unfortunately I have a very unspiritual gift of holding on to things that hurt me or hurt those I love. I don't know why I do this. I know people who have the gift of mercy, but I don't.  I wish I did, because I know holding grudges is a terrible idea. It only makes people bitter, and I really don't want to be that girl!

Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Get rid of all bitterness,  rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,  just as in Christ, God forgave you.

When I think about what God wants me to do, I realize my little phases may not be the most appropriate response. I may not always make the right decision,  but I know I have a God who loves me and forgives me when I make poor choices. Maybe one day soon, I'll stop getting my feelings hurt so easily. But for now, I'm just a work in progress!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Today I was blessed with the opportunity to give out lunches to the homeless in Monroe Park. I really can't put into words what it's like to experience this. It's a life-changing experience that rocks me to my core every time I go there.

One lady had a small duffel bag on her arm and a ratty comforter shoved in a canvas bag in her hand.  In the other hand she held a plastic bag containing food. This was probably all she had to her name. She asked me to help her get the lunch we provided into that plastic bag. When she opened it, I realized the food in the bag smelled horrible and had likely come from a dumpster.  I tell you this, not so you'll feel sorry for her, but so you'll remember to thank God for everything in your life. 

I don't know why the people there are 

homeless,  but I do know they all have a story and God loves them all. It's not our job to judge them, but to help them. James 2:15-16 says, "Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of  you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"

I intended to take pictures of my class living out this mission project today, but I got caught up in the need of others and forgot,  until the very end. As I was heading back to the bus I turned to take one last glance, and I saw this most humbling scene. Here are two men, from very different walks of life, bowing their heads together in prayer. My favorite part of this picture is you can't see either of their faces. I realized in that very moment God thought this was the only picture needed today. 

Though the Wind May Howl

It's been raining for a week and a half, the wind is howling , and roads and homes are flooding. It's a time of uncertainty because no one can control mother nature, and meterologists are not able to tell individuals exactly how the storm will affect them personally.  More often than not, storms can be unnerving.

I have several good friends who are going through a stormy time right now. They don't complain though, and they don't really talk about it. In fact,  most of the world probably doesn't even realize they are facing uncertain, hard, or sad times.  So many people we meet are facing battles we know nothing about. Maybe we need to slow down and notice the warning signs.

The worst part of having a friend going through a difficult season in life is there is nothing we can do to help. Or is there? James 5:26 says "...The prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective." What if we quit fretting about the storms of life, and start praying about them?  Are you going through a difficult time right now, or do you have a friend who is caught in a storm? Pray for them.

This rain won't last forever.  One day soon, the sun will shine. In the meantime, let's pray for those who are in danger from this storm and for those who are battling the storms of life.

The Grass is Always Greener

The other day I saw a goat trying to get the grass on the outside of his fence. He was almost flat on his belly, and his neck was stretched and strained. It was a sight, and must have been quit uncomfortable for him.

I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. Soon his owner would come out to feed him, and  the meal would probably be way more delicious and healthy for him. He shouldn't have been reaching for what he couldn't have-that which wasn't meant for him.

Sometimes we are like that. We think we know what's best, and we do everything in our power to make it happen. If we would just wait and be patient,  we may find God has something better in store for us.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Are you patiently trusting and waiting on God today, or are you desperately trying to get to the grass on the other side of the fence? Spend your time in God's word, seeking His will, and then the grass will be greener on your side of the fence!

Ready, Set, Smile!

Do you ever have the kind of day where you just don't feel like smiling?  It doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong,  although sometimes it does. There could be many reasons why a person doesn't smile.

I think it's important not to equate a smile with happiness.  Unless they choose to tell us, we often have no idea what another person is dealing with in life. In the same way we shouldn't assume someone who isn't smiling is feeling miserable.

 Caroline has an interesting theory about smiles. Whenever we go through the toll plaza, she says, "Smile for the camera!" She claims people get big breaks going through toll booths, and that's how millions of famous people get discovered. The Bray fam always smiles (and giggles) when we cross the Coleman Bridge and head back into Gloucester.
It's highly unlike my toll booth smile will make me famous, but it does have the potential to turn a person's day around.
What if God uses our smiles to bring a ray of hope to others? I don't want to miss that opportunity.  So next time you head home from across the river, SMILE! Because you never know who's watching!

Wait! Should I Turn Left or Right?

Recently I took a trip to Charlottesville for work.  My family was legitimately concerned they would never see me again. And with good reason.  I can't even go to Williamsburg without getting lost. Everyone cracks jokes about it, but for those of you who are directionally challegned, you totally get what I'm saying.  I can get a GPS so confused, it can't even get me back on track.

I wonder what God thinks when we get off the path He intends for us. Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." What a blessing to know that when I lose my way in life, I have a God who watches over me. Whenever I don't know what to do or where to go, He's there to guide me.

I am an expert at getting lost,  and over the years I have never been able to find a GPS that I can't confuse. But I know my God is never confused. He wants me to follow Him. If I allow Him to be my GPS, I may not always know where I am, but I know I will get there soon!

To My Educator Friends: Tomorrow is a New Day

Tomorrow is the first day of school.  What an exciting time! For many, it's a fresh start and a new beginning.  It's always sad to let go of summer,  but it's also exhilarating to get started on the exciting adventures a new year will bring.

This year is different for me. For the first time in 20 years, I will not be starting with a new class of students.  My girls are worried that I'm going to be sad tomorrow,  and I will admit,  there may be a little truth to that. But I am determined to make the most of the new opportunities I have been given.

Last week at Open House, one of my second graders from last year came looking for me. She said she just needed to know where I was in case she needed me. Though she warmed my heart, she also reminded me of the huge impact educators have on students.

You will not find me in a classroom tomorrow, but you will definitely see me at Lee-Jackson Elementary School,  Thomas Hunter Middle School,  and Mathews High School.  I will be welcoming students to a new school year, but in a different capacity. Change is good, and I'm excited for the opportunities I have been given.

So to all my educator friends, remember this: What you do matters.  You have a major role in the lives of our children. Embrace the promises this new school year brings, work hard, love hard, and may each of you have an amazing day tomorrow.