How to deal

Often times in our lives we have to "deal" with certain people.
Often times these are people that we will most likely know for all of our lives.

I have had many freverent prayers go upward when knowing that I have to spend time with someone who I feel like I have to "deal" with.
Stop, right there Carrie!
What an attitude!
No wonder the situation becomes tense.  If I walk in the room or answer the phone prickled up like a porcupine how is it ever going to get better?

I have been slowly learning to try to change my heart and where my mind goes on this matter.  It is hard, for it has been a way of life taught to me since childhood and perfected over the years.
It begins with realizing I am only in control of myself.  I have control to walk into any situation with joy in my heart or bitter anxious vile.
I need to pray, not to change others, but to change me and my responses coupled with a servants heart.

2Tim. 1:7
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Through God's Spirit I have the power to control myself, and love.

The other day I was feeling overwhelmed by this whole bit of "dealing" with someone when I happened to pick up a quote book.

Amazingly my eyes fell on this one....
"A sense of humor prevents one from becoming strained in relationships which could otherwise be annoying"

I smiled, yes it's time to find my sense of humor again.