Catching Our Catches

I homeschooled my kids, so we were together a lot; and they picked up an annoying habit. They began saying actually in practically every sentence.

My comment, “Time for bed,” was met with, “Actually Mom, we’ve got another ten minutes.” 

“Can we have take-out tonight?”

“No, we had take-out last weekend.”

“Actually, it was Thursday night before soccer practice, not the weekend, Mom.”

So how did I handle that? I implemented a new rule. I announced that we were using the word way too often so anytime I heard them use the word, they needed to stop and spell it aloud.

“A-C-T-U-A-L-L-Y.”

And yes, it worked. They eventually stopped using it, and even today will spell it out to make me laugh.

It makes sense that whatever we apply our mind to, will make us aware of our thoughts, aware of our actions and words.

For me, writing my way through a personal issue helps to corral my thoughts. I can catch my mistake or the lesson I need to learn easier by journalling. And if I ever share my failure in a story, I can at least offer a solution that worked for me.

Throughout scripture we are reminded to be diligent and to apply our thoughts to many issues. Some key areas (listed below) are injustice, laziness, idleness, sinfulness, and in how we walk with the Lord.

I may not be able to do all these things at once, but if I pick an area to focus on and begin, I have an easier time getting at least one area under control.

How best to be diligent? Be mindful. If I’ve had a bad day, I review it. Where did it go wrong? What was my part in the issue? What could I do differently? Seeking out God’s answers to that in scripture is also an important step for me. Talking to God about changing my habit or my attitude is next.

I’m actually amazed that a word that used to steal my joy can now make me laugh. Oops, “A-C-T-U-A-L-L-Y.”

Being mindful is catching what catches you so that you can find peace.

Blessings,

Debbie G

#SlipUps #DiligentlyMeansBeingMindful #WorkingItOut #HomeschoolingIssue

Diligent: persevering, paying careful attention, painstaking effort, not careless, interestingly attentive, steadily earnest.

Some areas to consider:

Ps 64:4 (injustice) diligently search inward mind and the heart of man.

Proverbs 12:24 (slothful) diligently rule- or it will become forced labor.

Proverbs 10:4 (slack hand) brings poverty- diligence makes one rich.

Proverbs 13:24 (wayward) do not spare the rod.

2 Peter 1:10 (salvation) all the more diligent to make your election sure. Confirm your calling by practicing these qualities and you will not fail.

2 Peter 3:14 (prepared) Be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish and at peace.