I'm learning a day is what you make of it.
I'm learning that I need to express myself to be happy.
I'm learning that I can allow situations in my past to totally torpedo the good things in my life that make me happy.
I am going through some adjustments in my employment that are challenging. I'm gainfully employed and very thankful for that, but the changes are really testing me.
The last couple of days have been. I had chalked it up to "post vacation malaise", but it is more than that and I know what it is.
There is some deep-seated anger in my life.
Tonight was track night. I almost didn't go. That anger almost kept me from a number of very, very good hours.
Before I set foot on the track, I spoke to my sister, whose business is speaking with a race that I have some involvement with, about that potential opportunity. It was a great conversation.
I saw one person that is local that I don't get to see often. Just the day before I had received an e-mail from them and we had a chance to talk - and laugh - about some of those things shared in that communication. Direct, yet unexpected feedback.
I talked to one individual about a work situation that I experienced today to an organization that I'm working for and where they received some medical care that I knew about. This person and I haven't had a chance to speak at length in quite some time. I was appreciative of what he had to share with me.
I got to see an out of town visitor that has become a very good friend since June a year ago.
And before I left that track to have a late dinner with friends, I talked to a race director friend for about 40 minutes to discuss some things about their races.
And one of the most important things is that I asked another friend to pray for me this evening.
Not only, as believers, do we need to pray - for ourselves and others, we also need others to pray for us.
Before I left for track, I sent a text to my best friend that I would be there -- and why I would. I had told them earlier in the day that I wouldn't and to share with our out of town visitor that I would miss them this trip because of my weekend commitments.
I read today's entry in Tony Dungy's "Uncommon Life: Daily Challenge". The title was "Encouraging Intercession". The verse was as follows:
"Pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity." - I Timothy 2:1-2.
It hit me sqaure in between the eyes. I had logged on to Facebook - before I left - and the person that I knew that I was going to ask to prayer for me was already at the track because he had posted a picture. I commented that I would see him shortly.
And I spoke to him there and I shared the source of my anger, without sharing any specific identifying characteristics, and he said that he would pray the next week - and see where the Holy Spirit led.
Before I left on the flight home from Anchorage Sunday night back to Houston Intercontinental, I saw a friend had posted something and not knowing exactly what it was I sent them a text and told them that I would pray for them. And I did on the plane before we took off (because if I didn't I would be asleep soon.)
Dungy writes, "It's a good habit to put into practice. Prayerfully lift up friends, give thanks for the people in your life, and pray for leaders whether you agree with them or not. And take it a step further. Let them know that you prayed or are continuing to pray for them. What an encouragement that may bring."
I try to as much as I can; that is, pray for friends and people - and situations - that I'm aware of. I'm not very good at telling somebody that I have prayed for them. While it may be a source of encouragement, I'm more concerned about me inadvertently bragging, "Look at me and what I did for you."
It is like I told the friend who I asked to pray for me, "When I announce races (and the like), people think I do that for my edification and self-esteem." I told him, "No, I do it for theirs actually." And I have fun doing it.
That deep-seated anger has robbed me of that fun and joy too often recently -- and I need a little help overcoming it.
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