Tuesdays with Daddy – A Kid Pouts, but a Man Shouldn’t

This morning, my oldest daughter woke up on the wrong side of the bed.  From her nap this afternoon, she woke up on the wrong side of the bed, again.  Nothing was right for her all day.  She didn’t want to play when playtime was suggested.  She didn’t want to eat, when meals were prepared.  She didn’t want to clean up, she didn’t want to nap, she didn’t want to play, she didn’t want to pray.  Then, to top it all off, a huge snow storm hit our region and is potentially preventing us from getting to the airport and flying to visit family – she was not happy about these details.  She reacts and her reaction is to pout, throw a tantrum and fuss.  A man shouldn’t react that way.

As a grown up (or as a “growing” up), we must realize that our reactions to tough situations should be even keeled.  More properly put, our reactions should be “ordered”.  I recently watched a program on prison inmates.  The inmates seemed pretty calm and easy to get along with while on camera, but unruly, defiant and violent when someone made them mad.  They looked like a little kid who wasn’t getting their way, and anyone in their way paid the price.  A TrueMan reacts differently.

When I was younger, my reactions to tough situations were pitiful.  As I’ve grown older with age, and as I’ve come out the other side of a really bad rage problem, it has become very clear to me that men of virtue, ie: TrueMen, don’t allow their emotions to determine how they act.  TrueMen act out of truth… with responsible reactions.  It’s a good thing to work on.

Man up!

It Depends on How You Look At It

My wife and I woke up this morning to our truck missing.  It was parked on the curb, locked.  Apparently, someone thought they wanted/needed it more than we do. 

I knew immediately, as Catherine came in from the driveway (preparing to leave for work this morning) and asked, “Dave, where did you park the Avalanche last night?”, that it was gone.  I got up to look out the front windows, knowing that my looking wasn’t going to bring it back.  I kissed her, told her it would be alright and she headed to work.  I calmly called the local PD and reported it stolen.  The officer was great and kept the conversation positive by saying “We have a 65% recovery rate, so don’t lose hope.”  I could have chosen to look at it much differently than I did.

It depends on how you look at it…

On the one hand, someone had the audacity to violate my property.  They found my possession more important for them to possess.  They put a scare in the families who, at one time, felt safe in our private cul de sac.  They caused me to question the security of my home and whether or not I should go out and purchase car alarms for each of my vehicles.  It caused me lots of paperwork and hassle.  They stole not only my vehicle but $4K worth of my stuff that was inside of it.  How dare they.

On the other hand, I’m probably going to get a newer, nicer vehicle.  I’ll most likely get all my possessions replaced and my family will move on and be stronger because we made a choice to look at the bright side.  Through adversity comes unity within a family unit.

This sort of incident can eat away at a person.  A person can let it consume them and let the emotions that come along with it form their attitude.  I’m choosing to respond differently.  I know that God will provide for us and that this happened for a reason.  Good can come from this and I’m positive that it will.  What good would it do me to complain?  What good would becoming angry or frustrated bring me?  Obviously, in this situation, what’s done is done.  If the police find it and it’s not damaged, great.  If it’s gone forever, then God is protecting my family from something.

When something like this happens to you or to someone close to you, set an example of how to react.  Staying even-keeled and consistent with your emotions will be a strong witness.  Remain strong in God the Father and know that He wants good for you.  Be strong.

Man up!