How do we respond?

One of life's big tests: the trainee checkout assistant. We're in a massive rush, the self-service checkouts are all broken, and the only person-operated checkout open has a very long queue. Peering down the queue we notice that it's a nervous guy's first day on the till, and he's not yet particularly gifted at the barcode 'beep' game. How do we respond? Grumble and sigh our way down the queue until we get to the guy having a hectic day and snatch our shopping with a glare to make our point? Or do we chill, text ahead that we're going to be late, spend the queue time praying for him and give him some encouragement when we get to him?

Impatience isn't a new thing, and we've all felt it. But the impact of how we react to frustrating situations reaches far beyond the moment - it can have a huge ripple effect.

Jesus said, 'Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit' (Matthew 7:17 NIV). Translation: Our actions and responses to situations determine what our life produces. Expressing our impatience at the checkout trainee will cause us to feel agitated for the rest of the day, whereas being friendly will leave us feeling pretty good. Our responses make a difference in others' lives too.



So what now? Think of your response to a recent frustrating/tough moment. How did you handle it? How could you do things better next time? If it didn't go too well, it's ok. Don't get down on yourself, but make it a learning for next time.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Every good tree bears good fruit.' Matthew 7:17 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

2 Chr 5-7, John 11:1-16, Ps 83:9-18, Pro 26:17-22