When it Matters Most

Why is it that we have our worst fights, disputes, intense disagreements, or whatever else you want to call it, when it matters most?

I mean come on! It may be a vacation, an anniversary, birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving or some other important time...but how many times are these special times when we have the greatest rift with those closest to us? I realized recently that the Thief has done way too good of a job of stealing the joy out of these occasions. Scripture is clear:

Jesus said... 
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:9-11 (BibleGateway.com)

Do you see that! The Thief comes to steal...steal our joy! That's the first step to killing our spirit and then destroying our life.

At risk of being too open, this has happened blatantly twice this year to my wife and I. The first was our anniversary get away. What was to be a quiet, romantic, relaxing retreat away turned in to a time of silence and distance. Why?....I couldn't tell you. I only remember that it was some words which were twisted and not received anywhere close to what their intended meaning was. (Most of the fault lies with me...stubborn pride!) The second time was recently when we as a family got away for a working vacation. A few days at the "happiest place on earth"...were not so happy. Once again when a relaxing time away which was destined for fun and bonding...was twisted into a time of silence and distance. Yes, same song different dance...words were twisted and not received as they were intended. (Once again...the fault lies with me..Ouch!)

What is the lesson here? THE THIEF COMES TO STEAL! He is out to steal our joy. By stealing our joy, he quickly turns a time which would refresh, restore and strengthen us...into a time that absolutely wears us out. No peace...just pain. No joy...just frustration, anger and stress. Once again our expectations are crushed...and we begin to second guess whether we should even have expectations. The negative begins to take center stage. The doubts begin to rush in. The accuser is relentless...until we pray. Put down the pride and ask for forgiveness. Its painful...and extremely hard. There is a certain comfort that comes from embracing our pride. But its time to step back and look at the big picture.

Wow...when it matters most the thief tries his hardest. When it matters most we cannot let our guard down. When it matters most we must be vigilant so that we can enter into that time of rest, relaxation and enjoyment with those who really matter most.

When it matters most...fight the thief...not those you love.