People never cease to amaze! A place can be found for everyone along the
emotional spectrum. Placement varies
depending on situation, time of day and DNA makeup. Some steady themselves on the spectrum and
remain consistent regardless of surrounding environment (my husband being one
of those steady individuals – guess it makes up for my leaps and bounds across
the spectrum on any given day!).
The kids and I experienced the amazement of people on
one of our adventures. Traveling along,
excited about the upcoming plans of a picnic and creek exploring, we
encountered a person landing on the unique end of the spectrum. . .
I approached a stop sign leading to a major
highway. Before even stopping to check
for safe entry, the person behind felt the need to honk the horn at me. Traffic approached to the left side and
flowed nicely toward me on the right. A
center lane, used as the holding lane for those veering into the flow of traffic,
remained empty. I decided to wait until
traffic cleared a bit before going out into the holding lane. Well, the driver behind had a different
decision in mind. I believe the driver’s
eyes viewed the stop sign as a yield and felt I should have barreled on through
to the holding lane. The driver
proceeded to get out of the car and come up to my window. LOCK button immediately engaged! The driver forcefully explained the use of
the holding lane and that my decision to wait clearly was incorrect.
Placement: Angry person too busy in life
and feels the decisions they make are always the best!
Moving on with our adventure (after calmly waiting
until traffic cleared to veer out in holding lane), we made it to the park
without any more road rage encounters.
Upon leaving the park, a person was walking three gorgeous poodles along
the trail. I commented on the poodles
and the person struck up a conversation.
This person remained smiling and the tone of voice projected love for
the canine companions. Naming off each
one, speaking proudly of them and sharing this part of the day with us was a
wonderful end to our adventure. Upon
saying goodbye, the person asked us for one favor. . .keep on smiling.
Placement: Joyful person so caught up in
the beauty in life that all they can do is smile a contagious smile!
One more person entered our adventure. Actually two, both in a customer service
position, but located at different venues.
The first helped carry a load to my vehicle and put it in the
trunk. The second saved us a trip to
another area of the store and proceeded to claim support if any other employee
questioned us.
Placement: Calm, cool, collective ready to
help where needed and enjoying the present moment!
Where do you fall on the spectrum today, at this
moment? Or, are you the rare (like my
hubby), who can remain steady on the spectrum regardless of situation?
Years flew by as I ran from one end of the spectrum
to the other. As any emotion arose, I
quickly ran to a numbing source and hid behind a smile. I had no idea how to handle life, let alone
enjoy it. In finding my Lord and Savior,
I realize traveling along the spectrum is perfectly fine. Feeling emotion is perfectly fine. Experiencing life with the ups and downs is
perfectly fine. What is NOT fine is
allowing emotion to control, manipulate or destroy the spirit.
Our reactions, wherever we may land on the spectrum,
make all the difference. We truly need
to answer the question, “What would Jesus do?”, prior to responding. Anger will arise – this world if full of brokenness
to bring anger. Sadness will dwell –
life and people disappoint. Joy will
come – beauty, restoration and Hope overpower.
Fear will develop – taking a step into the unknown, questioning the path
ahead is inevitable. Disgust will show –
situations come in beyond our control.
Whatever the situation, wherever you land on the
spectrum today; rest assured, it is okay to feel emotion. Take it to God (I know, Bible School
answer). But, really, take the raw,
honest and real emotion to God. Approach
the Cross and He will provide a reaction keeping you in line with the path
planned for you to walk.
“What would Jesus do?” . . .
5 Let your gentleness be evident to
all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about
anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And
the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or
praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever
you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into
practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:5-9
Live life. . .One Day at a
time!
Sheree Craig
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