Sunday, May 6, 2012

Remember Why We Are Here

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. -- Habakkuk 3:17-18

Okay. It hurt my feelings. Really. It did. He was upset because people weren’t doing what they were told. And I was convenient. But, honestly, it wasn’t my fault.

I bit my tongue. Sort of. I reminded them that everyone had been told what to do -- twice. If they still failed to follow directions, I asked, what was I supposed to do? No answer.

That little, pitiful voice inside of me wanted to lash out. I wanted to remind him that I wasn’t being paid to hire and supervise drivers for him. I wanted to tell him how much time I spent doing it and to remind him that I also kept excellent payroll records to make his life easier. And I wanted to point out a few of his shortcomings of the morning. But I didn’t.

That didn’t stop Satan from toying with my mind the rest of the day. And the day after that. Satan kept reminding me that I’m unappreciated, that the man has no clue how valuable I am and all the times I’ve saved him money.

Then I remembered that none of that matters. God matters. And doing everything I do to the very best of my ability, regardless of the circumstances or attitudes of others, reflects on Him. Because I belong to God.

It’s not easy to remain silent. I don’t always. And sometimes words must be spoken because no one deserves abuse. But other times words are said in frustration and aren’t meant to be taken to heart. They shouldn’t have been said but they also shouldn’t be agonized over.

It’s called letting it go and moving on. Honestly, it’s not worth the time or effort. Continuing to think about them and refusing to let them go only gives Satan a foothold into your mind and your actions. And that always leads to trouble and destruction.

He is a good man. Kind most of the time. With a tremendous amount of pressure resting on his shoulders. I know all that. And knowing that makes it easier to let it go.

Not that it matters. Because we are here for His glory and not our own. Our lives, our actions and our words should reflect God’s light outward toward the world. Sometimes that means we must walk away when we really would rather give them what we think they deserve.