So, when it rains, I tell Satan he doesn't have a right to ruin my day. Instead of focusing on gloom, I thank God for watering flowers. When temperatures are frigid, I can be thankful for bugs we will not have to contend with come spring. And, when really bad storms come, I still thank God for watering everything that needs it, but ask Him to not terrorize us with weather. Wind calms, tornadoes vanish, lightening is suddenly miles away, hail does not dent my car, white-outs pass, power is restored, and children arrive home safely! I thank God that weather does not have right to ruin my day!

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No more than Satan has right to ruin our day using weather; same strength can bud amidst dissention. Many turn grouchy, difficult, childish, fearful, foul mouthed, etc., as they get older and some are just miserably unhappy at any age.

While it is impossible to control other people's behavior for any length of time, we also cannot change them. All we have power to do is to change ourselves. We can start by refusing to stoop to their level, to not allow backbiting to come out of our mouth.

With practice, it gets easier. Our outlook will gradually change wherein we may stand there, thinking, "Are you done, yet?" A little further down road, we might think, "Don't you think God can hear you?" After a point, their behavior is seen for tantrum it is. Nope, Satan does not have right to ruin our day with such childish gestures. And, eventually, we might barely notice their bad behavior at all. Denial? Maybe. But, what does their bad example have to do with us? Except we did something to provoke, it is not our problem ~ just theirs. Sure, we care that others get right with God. But, as long as our motive, in prayer, is for what we will get out of it, we will be back to begging. The bottom line is, when we look to people for our happiness, they will fail us. If we look to people for our self-worth, Satan is sure to send a lie. And though we want to feel loved, there is only one source of absolute perfection. When in need of peace, no matter circumstance, we have a God that is greater than any storm.

© 2004 by Joyce C. Lock

This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.

If person lives alone, and you’re a neighbor, think of things like bringing mail or newspaper to front door, walking their dog, or watering their lawn. 5. Share your own stories.

Anyone who breaks something generally feels a little foolish for having done so. Since breaking my ankle I've heard story after story of "it was just a little stone" or "I just stepped off a curb wrong" that made me feel more "normalized."

6. Offer to help them up from their chair.

Strong arms pulling you up are much more reliable than using crutches. It also saves energy, and removes any chance you’ll put pressure on injured limb accidentally and cause pain.

7. Do not distract them during hard job of moving from one place to another. It is hard work and takes constant vigilance.

A person on crutches must be looking at walking surface constantly -- floor surface (marble, cobblestone), rugs that might move or curl, any spills on flooring, obstacles, anything that might hit damaged limb and cause blinding pain, anything small and furry that might move and trip them ...

8. Make it possible for them to elevate foot or leg.

Move a chair or table around for them, get up and move yourself. It throbs as soon as it turns downward.

9. Ask them about temperature of room.

We dread sweating, because ... if you've ever had a cast, you know why, which brings up point #10.

10. If it's happened to you, say so, and then ask to help.

It's particularly comforting for someone to say, "I know what it's like, so please let me ..." And also share what you’ve learned. The learning curve doesn’t exist. It was someone who’d been on crutches herself who pointed out to me that mine were set 4” too low.