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Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
James 1:19-20 NLT
It was not a good day. I mean, I know there are a lot of
people without jobs. And I, as a Christian, should be very thankful I have a
decent paying job. I know. But it was not a good day.
And what makes this really bad is I live with someone who
had a worse day. And I will share how I know that.
Though it was not a good day and I did not want to be
working, I soldiered on and worked. I had followed the guidelines to a tee. I
had answered the questions. And wrapped everything up like I was supposed to
do. But it was not good enough. The guidelines showed the steps, but did not
give the procedure. So, the asst. supervisor was frantically trying to get my
attention. And she got it after I had wrapped everything up. Then she wanted to
have the conversation while I was on lunch. This was the 15th straw
that broke the camel’s back. Eleven minutes in, I said enough. And I went to
break after saying I was on break.
I’m hungry, and wondering what is up with this chick since I
had followed the guidelines. I’m grumbling. I head to get some food, and
problem number two reared its ugly head. I didn’t see food prepared and I
needed to eat fast, so my mind was on frozen chicken tenders and a bowl of
cereal. I’m grumbling and I am asked what was wrong. I explained
what I could and I am told to let it go. Which I would have if left alone. Then
it was “there’s Neckbones.”
Okay. I don’t like neckbones. And even worse, I don’t like
neckbones covered in barbeque sauce. I am not a fan of picking my meat out of
bones like a scavenger bird. I had not had neckbones in decades. Apparently,
neckbones is a favorite meal where I am staying. Like pizza at my previous
place of residence (so not complaining about that), and meatloaf at the place
before that.
I am told the meat falls off the bones. I am chided (because
berated may be what I felt but I know it was not the intention). I have removed chicken tenders from my menu
because I needed to get out of the kitchen fast.
My first thought and second and third is “leave me alone
about neckbones.” My fourth thought was ”Seriously, drop this neckbones
tandem.” The next thought is “Lord, what’s up, because seriously, neckbones?”
Then I hear the words that people just straight up should
not say to me: “I know you are not hearing me because of the tone in your
voice.” Seriously? For real, for real, no conversation about neckbones is going
to be a good conversation. But are you kidding me? You started it. I get my
bowl of cereal and jet like a 747.
I went back to work. As I calmed down, (and really it was
let go of some of the pride because when it came to my job, I did not know
anything and honestly, this new curveball being thrown was expected), I
remembered what happened earlier that day. That this person had received
terrible news about their health.
Now while I wanted to say a bunch of things to both my
roommate and this asst. supervisor, I said nothing. For work, I knew that it
would work itself out. When I got a further explanation of what I did wrong,
which was technically nothing, I struggled but I was able to give God some
praise.
As for my roommate, I also realized I had been down this
path before with yet another relative so I was not going to be coerced into
eating something I did not like, and this also will pass.
I recognized I needed to bring down the pride in both
situations. For work, pride showed in “but I followed the guidelines!” and for
home, “Are you kidding me after all that I do?!”
But I knew this situation. And I knew, no, I know things are
going to change.
Romans 8:28. A God’s Property song kept coming in my mind.
Don’t get me wrong. I was hot, and there were times the next
day I struggled with recognizing who the real problem is, but I would turn back
to simply saying, “Thank You Lord!” or “Hallelujah!” (or at worse, “Have mercy,
Jesus!”) I made sure to send up prayers for everyone involved.
Be ye angry, but sin not. I failed, but at least it wasn’t
an epic fail, and I was able to get back up, and recognize who was the real
problem, and realize that if the situation was not going to change in the next
minute, then all I could do was give thanks and praise God because I really am
blessed.
Despite recognizing that I was in a bad mood, you want to
make it worse?! I used to think most people could recognize this type of
situation. I am going to change most to some. And this happens a lot among
family. We seriously take each other for granted. Yes, we love one another, but
common courtesy flies right out the window. Sadly, if you have a bad day at
work, you take it out on those closest to you. Because your family will forgive
you. I could go on and on, but even your family gets tired of you constantly
jumping on them because you had a bad day.
There are times where yes, those in your vicinity need to
read the situation and skedaddle, but there are times where you need to check
yourself before you wreck yourself.
Realize who the real enemy is. F
or we wrestle not against flesh and blood, etc., etc. And I know this may shock you but those closest to
you do allow themselves to be the tools. They may have had a bad day. Or they
may even be standing on you will forgive them once they apologize.
When this happens, you need to use that armor. You need to
calmly express your need for silence or space. And if it is not honored you
need to step away. Will you be angry? Probably, but you do not want to act
rashly.
Have you had a bad day and tangled with someone who had a worse day? Or were you the one who had a worse day? If you fell and stumbled and acted like you were never a child of God, just repent, confess, and ask for forgiveness.
Be Blessed and Stay Encouraged!
