Jesus Like a Cigarette

  I recently began thinking about this when my son prayed for about the millionth time, "Jesus, please help us have a lovely day." There's nothing actually wrong with the prayer and goodness knows I love lovely days, but that's all he prays. 

Like ever. 

Upon further questioning he revealed that our family prayer time in the morning was the in-total of his conversations with Jesus. Okay. That's not good.  So what should this talking with Jesus look like? And then it came to me....

It should be like a cigarette.

I don't smoke....anymore.  I haven't actually had one since Grace's adoption day - 20 some years ago, but I remember it all. If you've never smoked you'll just have to take my word on this. And if you do smoke, you should quit but not till you're done reading this.

First thing in the morning. You MUST have a cigarette.  It's been all night with no nicotine. It starts the day off right and makes your breath smell so great when mixed with that first cup of coffee. 

Within seconds of waking I realize that the day ahead will bring people and problems and I already feel tired. Whisper to Jesus, "Help me get through this day, doing what you need me to do."

Right before you start a big project you light one up and think through your plan. Smoking gives you that little break time to figure things out.

A friend has sent me a message on facebook and wants my advise on something she's dealing with and I have no idea what to tell her.  "Jesus, what should I say that would help?"  I listen with my heart and begin to type.

When you're stressed-mad-hurt and ready to explode, you light a cigarette and it calms you down. Although cigarettes kill people, I believe there are an equal number of people who are still alive because of the a fore mentioned soothing properties of smoking.

I am so sick of explaining how to add fractions to them again for the hundredth time and  they're not even listening and I'm so mad.  They'll never get this and they have a bad attitude! I should just walk out and slam the door. "Jesus, I really- really am done with this. Can you give me patience with them one more time?  Can you help me not injure any of my kids?" (slight exaggeration)

And then there's all the in between times. When you sit back and relax and just enjoy life for a few minutes.  That's one of the best smokes of the day.

"Thanks Jesus for letting me survive this day.  This really is a beautiful place you let me live in and thanks for my family and  their strange little lovable quirks and for someone inviting us over for dinner (this is my story and I can add that in too) and for loving me again."

Smoking is bad but Jesus is a glorious addiction!