🙃
“The Tude Trap”
Main Verse:
"Do all things without murmurings and disputings."
—Philippians 2:14 (KJV)
Grizly Grace was having a day.
First, her honey jar was empty. Then she stepped in a puddle. And to top it
off, Carl the Forest Ranger told her she couldn’t growl at the choir anymore.
“I’m not growling,” she snapped. “I’m expressing myself!” But Robby Robot just
beeped and handed her a sticker that said “Attitude Adjustment in Progress.”
Grace stomped off, muttering about
how unfair everything was. But as she passed the forest mirror (the one that
shows your heart, not your fur), she gasped. Her reflection looked like a
thundercloud with eyebrows! “That’s not me,” she said. But the mirror didn’t
lie. Her attitude had turned her into a walking storm.
Now, you might not be a bear with a
growl problem, but we all fall into the Tude Trap sometimes. Maybe your
cereal got soggy, or your sibling took the last cookie, or your teacher gave
you extra homework. Suddenly, your mood shifts. You sigh. You snap. You stew.
And just like that, you’re wearing the stormy glasses of negativity.
But here’s the thing: a negative
attitude doesn’t just affect you—it spreads. It’s like glitter spilled in a
carpet. One grumble leads to another, and soon everyone’s stuck in the gloom.
That’s why Philippians 2:14 tells us to do everything without
complaining or arguing. Not just chores. Not just school. Everything.
God doesn’t expect us to be
fake-happy robots. He knows life gets hard. But He does invite us to trust Him
even when things go sideways. When we choose gratitude over grumbling, we start
to see the good stuff again. Like how soggy cereal means you had
breakfast. Or how extra homework means you’re learning. Or how your sibling…
well, okay, that one’s still tough. 😄
Grizly Grace eventually came back to
the choir with a tray of honey muffins and a softer voice. “Sorry for the
storm,” she said. “I’m working on my tude.” And Robby beeped, “Reboot
successful.” So next time you feel the grumble rising, pause and ask: What
glasses am I wearing right now? Then swap them for God’s perspective—and
watch the storm clear.
Thought of the Day:
A bad attitude makes everything look worse. But God’s truth helps you see the
good—even when things go wrong.
Bible Reading:
Philippians 2:12–16 (KJV) — A powerful reminder to shine as lights in
the world, without murmuring or disputing.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, help me recognize when my attitude is turning sour. Teach me to trust
You when things don’t go my way. Give me a heart of gratitude and a voice that
speaks kindness. And when I forget, gently remind me to reboot with Your truth.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Susan Barker Nikitenko August 2025© MRMPBANNABENMBCOB^54543
