There will definitely be a weekend Walmart run for Kleenex, thanks to our oldest daughter, 12-year-old Kyla.
“Mommy, I feel awful,” she announced yesterday, sounding just as sick and sad as she looked.
“Awww, poor you,” I replied. “What’s the matter?”
“My throat hurts and my nose is stuffy,” my tall tween said in a raspy voice, between coughs. She's been blowing ever since.
While comforting her, I was also psychologically bracing myself to deal with the germs that would likely spread all throughout the house.
I hate it when the children are sick.
Seeing them miserable makes me feel helpless, especially because, despite my best efforts to soothe them, those pesky viruses wreak havoc on their little bodies. And usually, if one is ill, the other 3 siblings will contract whatever is plaguing the first carrier.
So far, Kyla is the only one infected… I think.
My youngest daughter, Kaiah, 10, announced that her throat is hurting today.
Uh-oh.
Is she getting sick, too?
I hope not.
Unless her symptoms are merely psychosomatic, we might have a bit of a problem. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens, though.
Since sequestering Kyla in her room isn’t an option, I know there is that possibility that hanging around her will make us all sick. There’s not much that can be done about that.
However, in our daily lives, when it comes to those on the outside, we can make conscious choices to surround ourselves with healthy people. Otherwise, toxic, spiritually and morally bankrupt individuals will act as negative influences in our lives.
And this is not God’s will for us.
Hanging around folks who are vindictive; envious; bitter; gossips; liars; contentious and full of strife; and willfully sinful, is unhealthy for us.
As the saying goes, “association breeds assimilation.” You become like the people and things you associate with, so be careful. Your attitudes, behaviors, and choices reflect the most dominant influences in your life.
So, who’s influencing you?
As you ponder that question, I’m encouraging you through today’s post to watch the company you keep. Pay attention to those in your circle. Surround yourself with healthy people who love God, love you, and are bearing the fruit of righteousness.
In order to help you do that, I’m adding a portion of 2 Corinthians 6:17 NIV to your cup of inspiration. It says, “Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord.’”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, I believe God will begin dealing with you about your alliances and influences. Whoever and whatever might be making you spiritually, mentally, or even emotionally “sick,” God will reveal that to you.
When He does, if you remain open, He will also show you how to handle that situation. Be warned, God just may lead you to cut ties so you can be whole, joyful, and productive in your life. Pray about it and see what the Lord says.
When He gives you an answer, obey Him swiftly.
Lord, I want the people and things in my life to line up with Your will for me. Please reveal any unhealthy influences that might be hindering me from becoming the person You want me to be. And give me the strength and courage to break any ties that don’t align with Your will for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
