Captain Obvious

Read Psalm 119:145-152

My life as Mom makes me Captain of the Obvious.

"You didn't want to wear a coat and that's why you are cold."

"Keep your feet out of your brother's mouth and then he won't bite them."

"Flush the toilet after you go to the bathroom."

"Eating vegetables will make you stronger."

"You are grumpy because you are tired."

Over and over again, I repeat things to my kids that are kinda "duh" statements. I hope and pray someday they won't need the reminders as adults.

Because adults know all the obvious answers. Of course.

My kids like a show with a super villain named "Lady Redundant Woman." She sounds pretty threatening doesn't she? She says obvious things repeatedly, all the time, redundantly. Children love this kind of thing, but as grown-ups, we find it pretty annoying to state what we already know.

This brings me to staring at my computer screen pulling my hair out because I can't think of a thing to write about for Drops. Writer's block is putting it mildly. What's the problem? Not only am I short on topics and inspiration, I'm also short on patience, grace, peace, love, and compassion in my daily life.

Why am I losing my cool with my kids all the time?

Why am I feeling so lonely?

Why was I easily frustrated when a friend vents to me about her problems?

Why did I snap at my husband for not covering his leftover dinner heating in the microwave?

Why is selfishness rearing its ugly head?

Why am I whining instead of counting blessings?

Let me Captain Obvious, Lady Redundant Woman for a moment. I think I just heard the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit say, "duh" in my ear.

• I haven't been reading my Bible. (Check out these links for Bible Reading for Slackers, part I, part II, and part III).

"I have hidden your word in my heart 

that I might not sin against you."

Psalm 119:11

• I haven't been praying. (It's time to set up my reminder to pray again, the absurdity of a busy life took priority again).

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 

by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, 

present your requests to God."

Philippians 4:6

• I haven't been thankful. (I started a writing my blessings again this afternoon. So many blessings overlooked by discontent).

"Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.

His love endures forever."

Psalm 107:1

I could give myself excuses all day long for why I haven't been doing the obvious. I bet you could volley right back with a bunch of crazy daily details of your own. We are too busy to read the Bible, pray, and be decidedly grateful. Right? Then why am I feeling this funk that I can't shake, frustrated, easily irritated, and so very far, far away from the follower of Christ I want to be?

Really, we are too busy NOT to do the obvious. I needed a reminder today after a tough week (it's only Wednesday!). Read the Bible, pray to a compassionate God who listens, and cling to the blessings that surround us.