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10 Minutes Peace
by Susan McGrath
It seems I can rarely get through a week in the Kindergarten classroom without inflicting on myself one of the most painful, most annoying injuries known to the world - yes, the dreaded paper cut!
The paper cut seems to be a cliche', something to joke about like Miracle Max in The Princess Bride: "While you're at it why don't you give me a nice paper cut and pour some lemon juice on it!" (Sorry, I can't resist quoting my favorite movie when the opportunity presents itself!) However, when you are the recipient of the paper cut it suddenly isn't funny anymore.
Even more annoying than the physical paper cuts, which often make my hands look like they have been fending off tiny sword fighters, are spiritual paper cuts. These are the little things that get under my skin and continue to irritate me all day long. They might come in the form of a nearly-empty tube of toothpaste that would require Superman to squeeze out the last bit; a stubborn layer of frost that takes too long to scrape off my windshield; a driver who turns in front of me without signaling; a store clerk who gives me the wrong change; or just a coworker who needs me to be a listening ear when I'm feeling needy myself. Some might consider them bad luck or the results of living in an imperfect society. Others might view them as attacks from Satan. Either way, they can be spiritually draining.
The occurrence of just one of these things can set the tone for the day and point my attitude downhill. Like a physical paper cut, if untreated these spiritual wounds will begin to get irritated and even infected, becoming a true spiritual roadblock. When I find myself getting upset by the small stuff, I have to stop and remember all the blessings, big and small, that God has already given me for the day and realize that they far outweigh any minor inconveniences.
When I let these spiritual attacks bother me, I become more irritable with each situation I encounter and eventually my "paper cuts" become contagious. My attitude affects how I act and react toward those around me and I become a spiritual paper cut in their day.
To keep from stumbling and becoming and stumbling block for others, I must remember what Jesus said in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world." Jesus became one of us so that when He talked about trouble He would understand it in the natural world, from a human perspective.
In John 14 as He is speaking to his disciples He says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Jesus left more than just a greeting of peace, as was common in his time. He left a true peace, even through the little annoyances and the tragedies of life. He also left us the Holy Spirit to comfort and teach us.
I cannot even imagine the agony that Jesus went through as he was whipped, beaten and crucified. It makes my paper cuts look shamefully insignificant.
His promise of peace makes those spiritual paper cuts heal much more easily and equips me with armor to protect myself from future injury. As you seek the Lord's peace this week, read Ephesians 6:11 and pray that God will reinforce your spiritual armor against Satan's attacks and the world's paper cuts.
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a recovering journalist trying to encourage others and glorify God through writing;
living the small-town life with husband Tim and sons Lincoln, 12, and Sawyer, 6;
completing a few put-off writing projects while using chocolate for therapy.
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