Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

April 16, 2023

Reflection from the Heart of Allan Redenius
 
Buy a new pillow and what’s the first thing you notice?  “Do not remove this tag under penalty of law.”  What’s the first thing we do when we unpack our new pillow?  Get out the scissors and cut the tag off.  Yet, no one is in jail for removing the tag.  So, what’s the purpose of the tag with a warning?  Maybe just to aggravate us. 😊
 
Here’s another aggravation.  In the middle of nowhere there is a stop sign.  Clearly, your car is the only vehicle for miles around.  So, why stop?  What’s the harm in just ignoring the stop sign and barreling on through?  That’s what my grandpa thought years ago.  In the middle of nowhere, no other cars in sight, and grandpa doesn’t even slow down for the stop sign.  All of a sudden, and to his surprise, the sheriff was right behind with red lights flashing.  After they stopped, the sheriff meandered up to grandpa’s vehicle and asked, “Folkert (Grandpa’s name), didn’t you see that stop sign?”  My grandpa, in his heavy German accent replied, “Vell, sir, I saw the stop sign, but I sure as the world didn’t see you!”  😊
 
Computers are, without a doubt, aggravating.  I could go on and on as to why they are such a source of stress.  However, let me leave you with this thought.  Enough said about that!
 
Over the years, I’ve learned not to let “small stuff” get under my skin.  When people aggravate me, I realize I’m probably just as aggravating and frustrating to them.  I know I’m pretty lovable, 😊, but some people don’t see me that way, and I’m O.K. with that.  I try to emulate Jesus as much as I can.  I often fail, but I try.  I think about the line of Daddy Warbucks from the musical “Annie.”  “Be kind to people as you go up the ladder, for surely you will meet them again as you come down the ladder.”
 
Trust me.  Life is a lot easier if you are not aggravated all the time.  As the song says, “Show a little bit of love and kindness, never go around with hatred’s blindness, take a little time to reach for joy and wear a happy face.”  
 
Live your life for Jesus and you’ll wear a happy face!
 
Love to all,
Pastor Allan
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