Hello Everyone!

As I went about my normal chores and daily duties, I found myself moping about our new President, Mr. Obama, and every little thing that seemed to annoy me.

But then I realized, God was sending "small" trivial things to test my "large" character traits. I was looking down, not up, and not watching where I was going!

I would type out a whole essay on the computer, and then it would suddenly disappear. Computers do strange things sometimes, and it was my choice to slam the keyboard or buck up, get out my notes, and type it up again.

I would be walking by my sister and she would accidentally pull my hair - long hair seems to catch on everything, doesn't it? That's the price we pay for having glory! It was my choice to snap at her or calmly tell her that by walking to close too my "personal bubble" she had accidentally caught my hair, and ask her if she would please try not to do it again.

These choices change how our days will work out. Good or bad, positive or negative.

By realizing these "small" incidents are not trials, but tests, we can prove our strength through Jesus. I find I have more patience that I thought I had if I think before I act. The character traits - long suffering, kindness, peace - suffer if I don't work hard at responding to "small" things positively. That's right - work - to be a Christian is hard work yet enjoyable as we grow, and I think more teens will find this out, hopefully not the hard way, as our nation continues on through God's grace.

By looking up - not down - we see where we're going and, by the way, miracles come from up above, not the earth. So don't look down!

~ The Maiden

       If you have an encouraging incident you would like to share about "small" choices you made that taught you a lesson, or growing in your character, leave a comment here.