Ever have one of those days? Part one.

     I've had many of them.  I should take the time to mention that this phrase has several different focuses.  I'll just talk about three:  positive, negative and ambivalent.  However, the most common way of using this term is the negative mode.  There are a lot of factors that come into play when we are driven to say that it's been one of those days.  Sometimes the day involves other people either at work, with a business or home.  Sometimes it's that way with our vehicles as well.  Especially if we have problematic vehicles and live in a heavy commute area.  Often these "times" are punctuated with the people in our lives.  Finally, there are those times of our lives that are more like one of those days, months and even years.
     By now most everyone reading this will have found one or two memories of their personal one of those days.  This most likely will be of the negative kind.  It's seldom we say they are positive as we are just glad they are not negative.  The positive seems to be glossed over with them merely fulfilling the expectation we have of life.  Yes, it's been a good day but I'm entitled to good days.  No, we are not.  We are entitled to Life and all it holds for us.  Because we are a fallen people there are going to be many "one of those days" and more than likely some months and years as well. 
     In most cases (we don't like to admit this) we bring the days, months and years on all by ourselves.  People don't wake up saying that it is going to be one of those days.  They are reflected by the events that come about as we live our day.  This time is punctuated by some little issues with the following intensity of more issues until the "big one" comes along and inserts itself into our lives.  This happens because of our reaction to little or big stressors.  Most of us will admit that we like to handle the house being on fire by ourselves.  With each succeeding "little issue" we paint ourselves into a corner and there we have it...one of those days.  One thing building upon another until we are overwhelmed.
     So, what are we to do?  For beginners, we cannot undo the past.  Give it up.  Start fresh today. Yes the same people, jobs, relatives will still be there.  So will the 10 year old car with no warranty.   We still have the choice over how we handle the day.  I'd like to suggest we surrender and call a truce with life.  I can tell that advice didn't go well.  If we do the same thing everyday expecting different results we just prove how crazy we are.  Okay, at least I do.  We do this for every day, every month ad yes, even every year sometimes.
     What would happen if we chose to look at only the positive.  The negative would still be there as an option but wouldn't have to control our lives.  I can't do this alone and neither can you.  I cannot depend on others or situations to change  Only I can change.  Is that enough to break the cycle?  I think so.  The Bible tells us to lay all of our cares and concerns at the altar.  No, we do not have to pick them back up.  We need to walk away and find something else to praise God for.  Let's practice that today.  We will bring the next step tomorrow.