An all wrong day
Have you ever had an all wrong day? A day that seemed like nothing you did was right?
My grandson has reached the age where anything, that doesn’t go just the way he wants it, is very traumatic. It can be as simple as removing an object that might cause him harm or not cutting up his food in just the right way. Whereas he’s pretty tough when his older sister assists him in falling off the sofa, my refusal to allow him to empty pots and pans from a cabinet can lead to big tears.
Some days, nothing seems to go just the way he wants it.
Do we have days like that–when nothing seems to work out in our favor? Days when we just want to crawl back into bed or skip from the current day into the next? Are there times when we just don’t want to deal with whatever crisis we’re facing and we’d rather escape by plopping facedown on the floor or in a corner away from everyone?
What do we do when we have an all wrong day?
- Do we pout and hide our faces?
- Refuse to interact with people?
- Retreat into silence?
- Hold a grudge against whoever offended us?
- Give up and quit whatever task is challenging us?
When my son was young, he was gifted with a book by Gyo Fujikawa, Sam’s All-Wrong Day. Everything seemed to go wrong for Sam on this day, from the time he got out of bed until he fell into a stream as he and his friends went on a picnic. Sam was having an all wrong day.
But Sam persevered and stayed with his friends on their trip to pick berries, when he’d really rather run away and hide. His perseverance saved the day when he shouted and scared away a bear cub who’d begun to gobble their berries. Sam’s day became an all right day.
Thankfully, my grandson’s sessions of lying facedown on the carpet, bemoaning a Grammy that doesn’t cater to his every wish, are few.
How can we adults face those all wrong days with grace and fortitude?
Hang in there!
Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NIV*)
Look for joy
You make me glad for your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. (Psalm 92:4)
Be thankful for God’s everlasting love
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)
And remember–tomorrow is a new day–a new blessing—a gift from God that will, most likely, be an all right day.
What helps you through an “all wrong” day?
*All scripture is from the NIV
Oh boy, I remember those days with my grands. This is such a great analogy, Katherine.
Yes, I have those moments and days.
Good question– what do I do?
Well, once I gather my thoughts– I suppose we could say, “bring my thoughts captive,” I remind myself of who God is and that He’s got things all figured out. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen quickly for me but it always works. At least it works when I cooperate with Him. After all, Jesus is my Lord and He is the Prince of Peace.
Thanks so much for sharing your insight and wisdom, Connie. Bringing those negative thoughts, that distance us from our Lord, into captivity is the way to draw nearer to Jesus when the “all wrong day” misery tempts us to leave His guidance and protection. Like you, I sometimes don’t cooperate and that makes the process more painful and prolonged. I’m so glad you shared your thoughts. Wishing you a blessed week.
Have to admit my dear friend, I still have those days when all has gone wrong (seemingly) and all I want to do is be by myself, pout, and grump. That’s when I remember that I’m not EVER all by myself, and while the day may have gone wrong (nothing worked, I didn’t accomplish hardly anything I wanted to, etc.), I remind myself that God saw to wake me up that morning, and He stayed with me through it all. What I failed to do was to put away my carnal, selfish, desires and reach out to Him for comfort. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that our life is “not Burger King, and you can’t always have it your way.” Instead, seek God’s way because even when things aren’t going right, He’ll show you how to survive it and learn from it. Oh, to communicate better than your grandson can. I’ll keep trying. 🙂
You express it so well, my friend, “we can’t have it our way” and the sooner we realize it and get back onto our Father’s pathway, the greater peace we will find. But it’s hard! Life throws us a curve ball and we stumble as we try to dodge the danger. It’s hard to get back into the batter’s box and try again. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I always learn so much, my dear rancher friend. Wishing you a blessed week.
But I want to play with the pots and pans … that’s how I act too often. Your article is a good reminder for to keep on keeping my trust in the Lord and accept His guidance, even when I’m having a bad day and He won’t let me play with the pots and pans.
I’m still smiling from your response, Jimmie. I am so like that! “Why won’t you let me do what I want to do, God?” I’m so thankful He is so patient with me–and that He grants me patience with my grandchildren to help them grow into kind, loving, and responsible adults. Wishing you a week filled with joy and blessings!
What a sweet introduction to occasional hard truth. Thank you, Katherine.
Thank you, Diana. Those hard truths are tough–I’m just glad our Father is patient and persevering in guiding us along the journey. Hoping you week is blessed with peace and joy.
I know those all wrong days. And your grandson’s response has far too many similarities to mine. Thanks Katherine for giving me a not so pretty picture of myself in a sweet portrait! It is in those little reactions our spiritual depth is revealed.
As a grandmother, I know you’ve learned lots of lessons from those sweet gifts God has given us. I too, have recognized myself in some of my grandchildren’s behaviors–and it’s not pretty for me either. Thankfully, our Father is patient and kind (and stern when necessary) to guide us through those pitfalls. I’m especially grateful for second chances, and third, and so on. I hope you’re enjoying these beautiful fall days.
I remember those days with my kids. My oldest son was the strong-willed child and Dr. Dobson’s book didn’t always solve the issue for me (lol). We can learn from watching these kids and see how ridiculous we may look to God when throw a flesh fit. Great post, Katherine!
“Flesh fit”– I like that and oh gosh, I’ve done it. Now that you mention it, I expect God just shakes His head when He sees and hears us having a tantrum. But He certainly shows us the way to parent–unfailing love, patience, loving but firm discipline, consistency, and grace. He’s our role model for good parenting, if we’d just pay attention.
Oh how I can relate to this post having recently had an all-wrong morning. After I pouted a while, I had to remind myself that interruptions are often God-opportunities and just go with the flow. The day soon righted itself because my attitude righted itself!
Thanks so much for sharing, Candyce. Sometimes I think we believe we’re supposed to be perfect and we must hide it when we’re not. Of course we’re not perfect and we have those bad days, but as you point out, God is with us in the bad days, too, and helps us change our attitude if we seek His guidance. “God-opportunities”–YES! That’s the way to look at those trials we get on all wrong days. Wishing you an “all right day” tomorrow!
Wonderful post, Katherine, and so necessary for us to hear. When I’m having one of those days, I ask God to encourage me. Then I look for it. And He always responds. Don’t you just love our Father?
Oh, yes, Annie, God is so responsive to our needs, even though His timing may not be ours. I like that you say, “I ask God to encourage me. Then I look for it.” So often we may miss God’s response to our prayers because we don’t look. Thank you for adding your insights.
Aren’t the grandkids so often like a mirror for us to see ourselves? Thanks, Katherine, for this well done post. God bless!
I learn so many lessons from being with my grandchildren. I’m so thankful that God granted me this opportunity and that He has gifted me with an extra measure of patience! May God bless you and your ministry of service to Him.
Katherine, the photos of your grandson are precious and a good reminder of what may be cute in a toddler is not so cute in an adult!
I can remember times, as an adult, when I have acted like a child, although I didn’t throw myself face down on the floor. I’m so thankful that my Father responded to my plea and helped me be a better person. Wishing you joy and blessings, Debbie.
I don’t refuse to interact with people when my day has gone all wrong, but they’ll be happier if I retreat into silence (LOL). I’m thankful for God’s patience with me! Enjoyed your post, Katherine!
I love the photo of your grandson and can so relate. I think my grandchildren have helped me see this kind of behavior in myself and it’s not pretty. I imagine God reacting to me in the same way I do with my grandkids. I think learning true gratitude makes all the difference. Thanks Katherine
When my grandchildren get a little older, they’ll probably point our my lapses of judgement and behavior (my daughter does already). We need to be held accountable for our actions and if God sends me a reminder through friends, family, or little ones, I may be chagrined, but I recognize the need for chastisement (most of the time). I agree, Yvonne, gratitude makes a tremendous difference. We are so blessed and should freely give our thanks to God and His messengers. Blessings!
Too many times I want to do that. I love that God has patience with us in the same way you have patience with your grandson. A valuable reminder. Thank you.
I’ve prayed that God would grant me patience with my little ones, while still enabling me to administer firm and loving discipline. God has answered my prayer. I’m so blessed with the opportunity to be a part of my grandchildren’s lives. Thank you, Jen.