I don’t like roller coaster rides. The thrill and excitement that comes from the anticipation of the first drop quickly dissipates and I find myself holding onto the bars for my dear life, thinking, I’m so over this, please stop. So the next two minutes feel like ten, with every cell in my body hating the jostling, banging and the noise. Eah.

In life, I try to avoid peaks and troughs by planning my work weeks in advance. It really annoys me when people don’t consider the challenges others have to go through, dismisses their plan and push for their own. No matter it being accidental or deliberate, I can’t help but think that person is saying they are more important than I am.

This past week was a bit like a roller coaster ride for me. What do I do? Do I wallow in self-pity? Do I get upset and let my annoyance take over? I really don’t want that and I refuse to live in that ‘downward spiral’ that only makes my day go from bad to worse.

I prayed for help and for a passage that will guide me.
I opened up Our Daily Bread, and accidentally opened a reading from August last year. ( I suppose it isn’t actually an accident that I opened to this piece, I did ask Him for help ;D )

The piece talked about how Jesus did good by teaching, healing, feeding, and comforting people. His followers are called to meet the needs of others, including those who hate them: “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you” (Matthew 5:44; see also Luke 6:27-35). They are to serve their enemies without expecting anything in return.

I’m also reminded of the Fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – which are characteristics I should emulate.

What good thing can I do today in Jesus’ name? When we do good, we will be offering a sacrifice that pleases God (Hebrews 13:16) and that draws people to Him (Matthew 5:16).