The Sour Old Lady

What do you want to be when you grow up? Most people would consider this an innocent ice breaker for the elementary school crowd. However, my father insisted this was the single most ridiculous question anyone could ask a kid. “She’s only seven!” he’d huff.

Consequently, I was under strict instructions. My reply to any poor, unsuspecting adult who asked the offending question was to be “I want to be a sour old lady.” At which point, my father would laugh and laugh, while the other adult would only look confused.

My dad thought this was harmless fun. Then, one fateful Sunday the preacher asked all of the children to come down front for “Children’s Time.” I remember taking my usual spot next to the other kids on the floor. The preacher looked at us with our scraped knees and fidgety dispositions and asked, “kids, I want each of you to tell me what you want to be when you grow up.” Immediately, I looked at my father. He was positively bursting with mischievous excitement and giving me the “you know what to do” nod. Meanwhile, my mother looked on in horror from her place at the organ.

This was a small church with only a few kids, so before you could say Jeremiah 29:11, the preacher had the microphone in my face. “Scarlet,” he said sweetly. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “A sour old lady,” I declared. My father erupted with laughter, my mother covered her face with shame, and the congregation—crickets.

Joke or Prediction

These days, I think what started as a joke may have become more of a prediction. Surrounded by “Choose Joy” tee-shirts and “Just Smile” bumper stickers sometimes adds to my humbug attitude. If only it were that easy, but it’s not. I’m not an emotional vending machine: press D7 for cheerful disposition.

Let’s be honest. Some days just stink. Guess what. That’s ok. We’re not promised endless days of roses and rainbows. In fact, we’re told in no uncertain terms that we will have trouble. Not may have trouble. We will have trouble. John 16:33.

However, sometimes it seems as though we should feel guilty when our attitude is anything but upbeat. Or that somehow we are “less Christian” when we’re grumpy or feeling blah. But that’s bologna.

Biblical Blues

Moses had self-esteem issues. Exodus 3:11. Sarah had doubts. Genesis 18:12-14. Jonah was the king of negativity. Even Jesus had his bad days. Jesus experienced sadness, annoyance, and yes, anger. Further, Jesus even got “hangry.” John 11:35, Matthew 17:17, Matthew 21:12, Matthew 21:18-20.

Of course He did. Jesus was fully human. The only difference is that Jesus was without sin. Hebrews 4:15. So why do we kick ourselves when we have days when we just can’t seem to shake the blues away. No doubt, piling on an extra serving of guilt is not going to help.

Instead, let’s cut ourselves some slack, and look to The Word for reassurance.

Good News

Controlling our thoughts and emotions can be incredibly difficult. In fact, the Scripture uses words like fix, strive, learn, and guard when addressing our hearts and minds. Not exactly words evoking easy street. Philippians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:11, Proverbs 4:23.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we should just throw up our hands and go full-on sour lemon. After all, Proverbs, which reads a bit like a Biblical fortune cookie, reminds us “a joyful heart is good medicine.” Proverbs 17:22.

Positive Paul

Paul, once a violent persecutor of Christians turned faithful apostle, was regularly flogged, starved, imprisoned, and the focus of multiple assassination plots because of his belief in Christ. Acts 9:1-31. If anyone had a reason for a crabby attitude, it was Paul.

Secret Sauce

Yet, Paul was known for praising and singing while locked up and staging one of the most impressive prison breaks of all time. Acts 16:24-26. In fact, Paul learned the secret to true contentment regardless of his circumstances. Philippians 4:11. Lucky for us, Paul didn’t keep the secret to himself. He was more than happy to share what he’d spent years learning.

As Paul says, he learned contentment in good times and bad, contentment in feast or famine, contentment in the highs and lows. Contentment he said, that comes from calling on Christ’s strength through prayer and relationship. Philippians 4:6-11.

It seems important to note that Paul doesn’t say he learned the secret to “happiness,” “bliss,” or “cheerfulness.” Paul says he has learned to be “content.” Philippians 4:11. Interestingly, I compared five different versions, and they all use the same word: content. I can live with content. Content sounds pretty good to me.

So when I can’t seem to turn my frown upside down, I’ll take Paul’s advice and train my thoughts on things that are true, honorable, pure, lovely, and commendable. Philippians 4:8. And I’ll wait expectantly for the contentment that can only come from the Father.

Heavenly Father, help me to be like your servant, Paul. To remember to rely on Your strength at ALL times. Please direct my heart into Your love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:5.

Scarlet

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