Perhaps Peyton is the least complicated of my grandchildren.
She is certainly the most cheerful of my Ohio grandchildren.
It occurred to me this morning that I have not seen her throw a fit
or sulk and be truly bad-tempered.
Oh she cried as a baby.
She cried and fussed when punished for doing something
she was told not to do---I remember one particular 2-yr.-old act of defiance while babysitting her.
But she always woke up with a smile.
She still comes in the door with a big smile
and a bright, cheerful, "Hi Grandma!"
She rarely complains and even then, she lets it go
after telling it.
She is working hard at getting better at gymnastics.
She scored an 8 out of 10 on her floor section.
We were all pleased for her.
She was nervous, but still smiled.
The smile got huge when she saw all the family in the stands
cheering her on.
She cares about that.
She is also the one who regularly lets her Grandpa Mike
know how much he means to her.
Having not been a father,
the grandfather job has been an unexpected joy.
It is also an area of uncertainty for him.
Peyton never fails to let him know he's doing a good job.
"As long as you live here on earth,
you will face countless opportunities to lose your temper
over small, relatively insignificant events:
a traffic jam, a spilled cup of coffee,
an inconsiderate comment, a broken promise.
When your are tempted to lose your temper over the minor
inconveniences of life, don't.
Turn away from anger, hatred, bitterness, and regret.
Turn instead to God."
From 100 Days of Grace for Women.
"Life is too short to spend it being angry, bored, or dull."
Barbara Johnson
"When something robs you of your peace of mind,
ask yourself if it is worth the energy you are expanding on it.
If not, then put it out of your mind
in an act of discipline.
Every time the thought of "it" returns,
refuse it."
Kay Arthur
"If your temper gets the best of you . . .
then other people get to see the worst in you."
Marie T. Freeman
"Do not let your spirit rush to be angry,
for anger abides in the heart of fools."
Ecclesiastes 7:9
"But now you must also put away all the following:
anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language
from your mouth."
Colossians 3:8
Today's Prayer of Grace
Lord,
Sometimes, I am quick to anger and slow to forgive.
But I know, Lord, that you seek abundance and peace
for my life.
Forgiveness is Your commandment;
empower me to follow the example
of Your Son Jesus
who forgave His persecutors.
Today, as I run away from anger,
I will claim the peace that You intend for my life,
and I will praise You for Your blessings.
Amen
I hope this ministers to someone out there
as God used it to minister to me this morning.
I think the prayer is especially timely
as I head into a day of professional development
on Ohio's many new 'expectations' of 'its' teachers!
Blessings to you all as you begin the new week!
She sounds like a sweetie, and someone we can all learn from!
ReplyDeleteSo much beauty in what you have shared here.
ReplyDeleteDon't we wish that all of us had her temperament??? BUT--we are all unique and special people --no matter what our personalities are.
ReplyDeleteHowever, Peyton will go far in this world --simply because of that easy-going, happy personality... My middle son is like that ---but he does allow others to run over him --due to his trust and love of others.
Hugs,
Betsy
A lovely and thought-provoking post, Beth. I hope your professional development day went well. Every blessing for the rest of the week.
ReplyDeleteThe floor exercises are fun to watch. It shows personality in the moves of the athlete.
ReplyDeleteMaybe she can be my mentor. I could use some help with my attitude.
She sounds like a wonderful young lady!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to have a grandchild -- or ANY child or friend -- who focuses on joy and kindness and appreciation... instead of going for everyone's throat. Sweet, and a way to touch others so beautifully.
ReplyDelete