Find More Joy In More Moments(Snow Day Devo 1-25-26)

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/fl527UPlHYkI. Introduction: The Disruption of PlansThe Reality of Disruption: Life often goes according to plan, which lulls us into a false sense of security. We get used to the routine.The Question: How do we react when the "normal plan" is impossible? (e.g., A snowstorm preventing worship, a project stalled).The Thesis: Life doesn't always go to plan, but we choose how we react to the disruption. We can either be overcome by the "evil" of the day, or we can find the "good portion" in the unexpected.II. The Danger of Despising "Small Things" (Old Testament)Context: The Israelites return from captivity to rebuild the Temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel.The Mixed Reaction:The Joy: The foundation is laid, and the younger generation rejoices.The Disappointment: The older generation, who saw Solomon’s Temple, weeps because the new work seems small and insignificant by comparison.Scripture: Ezra 3:11–12"And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, 'For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.' And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy..."The Consequence of Comparison: Because the people felt the new temple "wasn't good enough," they became discouraged, and construction stopped for 16 years.God’s Correction: God speaks through the prophet Zechariah to encourage them not to look down on humble beginnings.Scripture: Zechariah 4:10"For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel."Application: When our big plans fail, we often feel "gypped" by the smaller reality in front of us. We despise the small thing because it isn't the big thing we planned.III. Redeeming the Time (The Theology of Reaction)The Command: Paul instructs us to walk wisely and make the best use of our time.Scripture: Ephesians 5:15–16"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."The Definition of "Evil Days": What makes a day evil? It is often our reaction to the circumstances.The Strategy: We answer the "evil" of a bad day (or cancelled plans) with good actions.Scripture: Romans 12:21"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."Synthesis: Are the days only "evil" if we allow them to be? We have the agency to redeem a bad situation by choosing a good reaction.IV. Choosing the "Good Portion" (Gospel Example)The Narrative: Jesus visits Mary and Martha.Martha: Represents the "Plan." She is distracted by serving, anxious, and troubled because things (presumably) aren't going smoothly or she lacks help.Mary: Represents "The Moment." She stops to appreciate what is right in front of her (Jesus).The Rebuke and Invitation:Scripture: Luke 10:41–42"But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'"Application: The difference between a good day and a bad day is often what we choose to focus on.You can focus on the snowstorm and the cancelled plans (Martha).Or you can focus on the unique opportunity to slow down and sit with family (Mary).V. Conclusion: Embracing the UnexpectedPersonal Reflection: The speaker admits the struggle of wanting to be productive/busy but being forced to stop.Reframing the Negative:Negative: We cannot meet for church today.Positive: We get to eat breakfast with family (a rarity), and the absence of church today will make the gathering next Sunday even sweeter.Final Challenge: Pay attention to what is in front of you. Do not be so focused on what you don't have (the failed plan) that you miss the joy of what you do have (the present moment).