I was reading back over a journal entry in my PAPER journal (LOL) and I noticed a phrase that I thought I would like to expound on here. 

I wrote:  "I wish they [my children] would worry more about their own actions than each other's."

I underlined it. 

Then, I started thinking how much this applies to everyone.  I don't mean it in the sense that we don't care what happens to others or that we are only thinking of meeting our own needs, but in the sense that the children get so upset by each other's tone of voice, looks they perceive to be glares or stares, someone in their spot or drinking out of "their" cup, etc. and yet the same child will snap or whine or even yell with or without much provocation. 

And then again, so do I sometimes. 

I am offended when someone is rude in the grocery store or when  friend is thoughtless or when I feel like I am not getting what I am entitled to, but am I cautious about MY tone, my actions, and even my attitude deep within my heart?

Do I check my own spiritual temperature as readily as I judgmentally comment on someone else's? 

Do I choose my words with as much care as I expect from others?

Do I demand my own way or do I attempt to consider the feelings of those around me?

Do I attempt to do all to the glory of God or am I tacitly demanding glory to me, me me?

Am I delighting in the Lord or in the things of THIS world?

Am I running this race with the right prize in mind or am I easily entangled in the things of this world?

Am I serving others in love or am I serving myself in self-righteousness?

Questions like these deserve serious and daily consideration.

Today I will think more carefully about what I do and say and the motivation that drives me.  I will try to develop a habit of thoughtfulness. 

I will worry more about my own actions than I worry about others!

I challenge you to do the same.

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