Want to Do Something Else Grace

Yesterday, I mentioned to my husband that I was really looking forward to today, because I could spend a large chunk of time posting on the blogs. [I planned to wear my comfy clothes, because I didn't plan to go out today. I don't often have days like this where I can really just relax and do what gives me pleasure, although I didn't tell him all of this.]

 Today, my husband told me that he wants me to do go do this and that with him. I was starting to get frustrated with him for taking a big chunk of my time when I said the brief prayer: Want to Do Something Else Grace. When things arise and so does my frustration, there isn't always enough time to say an elaborate prayer, explaining why I need Christ's Grace at the time. Fortunately for me, Christ sees what's causing me frustration and grants His grace when I pray brief prayers like this. He knows that I am asking for Him to grant me grace, so I can be gracious as an example of how He works in my life, rather than spout off in return.

 This is especially significant, because while I was typing the previous paragraph, my husband called and told me that he wants me to go do one more thing with him. I quickly remembered that I had just prayed for Want to Do Something Else Grace and was calmed by it. I realize that my husband forgot all about my saying how much I was looking forward to today, so I had plenty of time to work on the blogs. Fortunately, this will get completed, but some of my other posts may have to wait until another time. I don't mind as much, because when I forget to ask for Christ's Grace, I usually end up feeling guilty for sharing how frustrated I am with my husband. It doesn't make me feel any better and only makes him feel worse. Christ's Grace gets me through those times where words are better off not being expressed!

 P.S. I had to come back and add this. Having been given Christ's Grace in this situation has had far reaching ramifications. Not only did it keep from developing an uncomfortable situation, but it gave me a greater sense of appreciation for my husband. Although I had other plans, this made me realize that I am truly blessed to have a husband who wants to include me in the things he does! 

Example of a Brief Prayer

But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Acts 15:11

I was with someone who was scooping up some free popcorn. They didn't ask me if I wanted any. The person told me that I should get a bag of popcorn and then took it from my hands. They wanted me to get the popcorn for them to eat later.

It's such a silly thing, but it really did irritate me. Didn't that person think about whether I wanted some or not? Couldn't they have asked me if I wanted some before they took it from my hands? I found myself getting frustrated at that person. Then, it popped into my mind that that's not what Christ wants of me. He wants me to be gracious to those who irritate me, but I was too frustrated to be gracious at that moment.

What I prayed was, "Popcorn Grace," and immediately Christ calmed me down, so that I didn't respond to the person in a less than positive manner. Although the "Popcorn Grace" prayer was very brief, I was asking Christ to please give me grace with this popcorn situation, so I would respond in a gracious manner, and He did! It amazed me that He knew and understood my brief prayer and granted me that grace, so I could be more gracious as an example of how He works in my life! I have continued to use these brief prayers which are changing my life and my response to others. If Christ can do this for me, He can most certainly do it for you, as well. Try it...what can it hurt?