When Mama Ain’t Happy

I’ve never used this phrase to talk about anyone I know. Yet, instinctively we understand the sentiment behind the words. When mama ain’t happy…ain’t nobody happy. It’s almost like the other phrase, “happy wife, happy life”.

When did we start putting all the blame on someone else for our state of happiness? Or even for our well being?

Come on, now. Life is better than this. You pull yourself up by your own bootstraps!

Just because you have a bad sleeping night with aches and pains, don’t go blaming anyone for your temperament! My bride and I both had a bad night. It’s not either one of our places to blame the other! Sometimes life happens! Take ownership of the moment!

My plate is full. I do not have time to have something bad going on within my own life. Nor do I need someone else to blame. We all go through hard and sad times, but there is a silver lining somewhere! We just need to keep persevering!

Keep Persevering

You know, keep on keeping on. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. No pain, No gain. No guts, No glory.

This does not only apply to the soldier mindset, but it should apply to every one of us. Having a mental toughness to stand up to the challenge, face enemy, and get through the rough times… Well, this comes from learning how to be tough! How do you learn? By going through tough times. It’s a cycle. Go through. Learn from it. You’ll handle the next time better!

We all have rough and tumble times. Some know what to do, and they do it. Others run in circles worrying that the sky is falling. A friend posted early this morning.

Is it bad…it’s very bad.
Is it ugly…it’s very ugly.
Are the times wicked? Very wicked.
But let’s stay focused.
John 2:10 says Jesus kept the best for last.
I’m holding fast to that..with God, the best is last. @PastorJBSims

Maybe this is all I want to say this morning. The best is always ahead, just around the next corner of life.

A salesman friend of mine takes rejection in a very positive way. When turned down, he simply says, “Next!” The next good moment in life could be the best moment. You just keep pushing forward! Do not let rejection or bad times keep you subdued. Remember this.

 “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” –Thomas A. Edison

Here’s My Thought This Morning

The first miracle recorded by Jesus was the one referenced by my friend in John 2. Jesus and his disciples were called to the marriage celebration. History tells us these events could last seven days! That’s a lot of resources stored up for the celebration window. Here they are, three days into their celebration and they had no more wine! Gasp! Horrible news! What are we going to do? Mary (mother of Jesus) turns to the servants, “Do whatever my son tells you to do!”

Was mama not happy? Perhaps not. But she also knew the feelings of others. The guests had no wine and they were asking for it. The newly married couple would be embarrassed, their family did not have enough. The party planner would be aghast, a reputation might be sullied.

It may be safe to say, Mama wasn’t happy! And, Mary knew the answer to the need! Jesus!

Too often I’ve shared about a friend coming to a bible study at work. The times were bad in the early 90’s. He was paying attention to every aspect of news. Doom. Gloom. Every time, I would tell him, “It’s going to get worse before it gets better.” He would cock his head, “…you got a point…” and suddenly theirs that sunny disposition he was capable of.

Listen. This Pandemic is bad. Perhaps very bad. Politics is ugly. Maybe super ugly. Racism is horrible. Yes. Definitely the worse thing any of us have to deal with. But. It all goes away someday.

“If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll keep you busy.” ~@BrettFJones

These two quotes by friends of mine have been ruminating within my spirit. Don’t keep busy with the devil’s viewpoint. It is definitely going to get better. One way or the other!