My momma would have washed my mouth out with soap. And for good reason too.
Okay, I’m going to confess. My attitude was pathetic and my words were wrong.
Last week my daughter, Holly, got invited to go to the Keith Urban and Little Big Town concert. How exciting for her! I just had to find a way to hook up with our friends so she could go with them. My eldest son, Hunter, had a football game about a half hour south of where the drop off destination was planned.
When I heard where we were going to deliver Holly, I wasn’t crazy about the idea for several reasons (you’ll hear about those later when you read between the lines), but I was willing and grateful for our friends to have extended the invitation for Holly to attend in the first place. So…I agreed without complaining.
The day of the concert had arrived. We had left in plenty of time to arrive at our original timeframe. The Interstate traffic heading east was horrendous, but we were heading west so all was good. Our friends arrived at the “drop off point” before us, so they graciously ordered our drinks and food. Then…the drama unfolded.
The desired location was right across the street from the concert venue, so I knew it was going to be a bit crazy. (Reason number 1) But when I heard the Jones’ (our friends) had arrived and already ordered, I thought to myself, “Maybe the parking won’t be so bad.” Ha!
This restaurant had a gas station beside it and a hotel behind it. Overflow parking was not permitted in either of these areas. (Vehicles were getting towed left and right.) We drove through the restaurant’s parking, and I thought I could make it happen. Two cars could have parallel parked (mine being one of them), but some lady in a huge truck decided to drive up over the grassy island beside the two spaces and hang her vehicle over so that parking was NOT an option. I tried, but she was motioning to me and speaking in a language that was not appropriate. Well, my mouth uttered some inappropriate language too. My two children were then a bit taken back by their mother’s mouth. I circled the parking area four times, with no luck.
My attitude stunk! Holly finally said, “Mom, why don’t you just drop me off and head on.” Yes! Great plan! I had had it. My mouth was pathetic. And I needed to have a “come to Jesus meeting” with myself.
After I sped out of the attempted parking area, Cole (my youngest) was just looking at me shaking his head. I asked for forgiveness from him and God and admitted that my behavior was a sin. I told Cole, “See, God didn’t want us eating at a place where the shorts are too short and the shirts are too tight.” (Reason number 2)
The night ended up with Cole and I having a wonderful outdoor dinner at a drive-in not too far from the football game. When I prayed for our meal and asked God to forgive me for my potty-mouth, Cole just agreed with an “hm, hmm” during my prayer. I thought he was going to ask those around us “Can I get an amen?” Precious!
We had enough time that we even went shopping for him some new tennis shoes that he had been begging me for for the past week. And…and…they were 50% off!
I could imagine God looking down on my saying, “If you would have just stuck with your conscience and had just dropped Holly off and not agreed to eat there, your attitude would be okay. I had a plan for you and your son tonight. You tried to be too social, and I had another treasure in mind for you. When you finally and sincerely asked for forgiveness, you saw how I, God, provided you with a great quality evening with your youngest. Stephanie, watch your mouth! You know better. Be a better example for your children and others.”
Gulp. Yes, Lord. Thank You.
When I read Ephesians 4:25-32 today, I could sense God telling me to share my transparency with you.
So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
I believe I’ll choose to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God has done for me.
Now, let me get back to striving to be godly and not worldly. That wasn’t very becoming on me.
Blessings and God’s abundant love to y’all.
October 6
Honey, that happens to all of us. It may be just a crazy driver cutting in front of you. Thank God we can go to him and ask forgiveness and He is ready to forgive us. Thank you Jesus!!!