This blog is a continuation from yesterday.
Emotions and feelings are hard to define. We could call them feelings, concepts, and tools. We are spiritual and emotional beings. We need to always be working on spiritual and emotional growth. Learning and managing emotions is part of that growth. Here are five important emotions.
1. Grieving
This a widely underused tool. Grief is the sadness that lives between the passing place (you just left) and the new place you are going. Grieving is releasing what is passing away to embrace the next new challenge. Examples: moving, changing jobs, a new health diagnosis, empty nest, losing a loved one, etc.
2. Acceptance
You gave your life to Christ. Whatever struggle you face, start it with this thought, “Okay God. I guess you and I are going through this challenge together. If you go with me I know I will be fine.” Your other choice is to throw a fit, complain all day, be negative, drag your feet, and eventually go to your grave asking why, why, why?
3. Forgiveness
We are good at understanding that God is all about forgiveness. And maybe we are good at forgiving others. But, often there is something missing in the forgiveness process. It is forgiving ourselves. We believe we must continue punishing ourselves. I repeat this line all the time. “I forgive Stephen.” Insert your name and try it.
4. Innocence
The older I get, the more I am convinced of this fact: We were made for innocence. Innocence is freedom. Think about Adam and Eve in the Garden. Running around naked. No shame. Just innocent, peaceful, free living. Living in innocence is our design and it’s also how we protect ourselves.
5. Be Adventurous
You were made to explore and be on this adventure called life. Life is full of things to learn. Growth opportunities are everywhere. As men our job is to be providers and protectors. But the rich, deep, good stuff happens in a growing marriage. Make learning God, yourself, and your wife a high priority.
Prayer
Father, I need to learn more about how to grieve well. You have accepted me. Help me to accept myself. And, I must confess, that I am often my own worst critic. I want to learn to forgive myself. Father, I have lost some innocence and I want to recover it. Please help me protect my mind, heart, and soul. I want my innocence restored. I know you made me for beauty, purity, and innocence. Amen.
Bible References
- Grieving: Romans 12:15b
- Acceptance: 1 Thessalonians 5:18
- Forgiveness: Luke 23:34
- Innocence: Matthew 10:16
- Be Adventurous: Genesis 1:28