Trying to reduce the plank size

In my previous post, I wrote about a coworker that wasn't performing at work as she should be. Today, God gave me another chance to reach out to her and to build up our relationship. When she sent over her work to me for review, instead of railing on her and listing out all the changes she needed to make, I praised her for the work that she had done. And it wasn't the type of "oh, this is good, but...." type praise, but praise that I really meant from the bottom of my heart. Although it was only a few sentences, but I think it was enough to give her some encouragement. She seems to be performing a bit better at work these last few days. I hope that it persists, not just her performance at work, but more importantly, that my love for her will be consistent, so that she can see Christ in me. Christ loves us despite our work; we should love others the same.

"He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities... But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

There's a plank in my eye!

I've been starting to realize that the more I wrestle with something, the more likely that God's telling me that I need to grow in that area. Lately, again and again, God's been challenging me at work. Recently, I've had to take over someone else's work, without any guidance or direction. It was pretty much a sink or swim type deal, and dude, I started sinking quickly! Not only did I not understand what I was doing, but the people who helped out this person who's job I took over, were not very smart or on top of their work either! Sadly, I have zero patience for incompetence! (No, it's not a positive trait of mine...)

Unfortunately, a few days ago, one of the colleagues, whose bad work attitude others have started complaining about, got it from me. I wouldn't say I yelled at her, but my words were definitely not laced with much patience or mercy. It probably sounded like noisy gongs and tasted like sour lemons.

Well, today, God graciously gave me a chance to try to redeem my poor attitude, and show this coworker some love. I heard from someone else that she had taken 2 days off earlier because her mom wasn't feeling so well, so I called her up, and instead of just diving into correcting her on her work, I chatted with her a bit to see how she was doing, and to see if there's anything I could help her out with. I think she seemed to appreciate it, especially because she seemed much more positive in regards to the work that I told her she had to do afterwards - haha!

In all seriousness though, people just need a little bit of love. We just need to off over our own high ground. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?"

Learning forgiveness

Whenever I think of forgiveness, I often think of going up to someone, with my tail between my legs, head bowed, very embarrassed, and mumbling a quick "sorry", before scurrying quickly away. Or, I think of someone coming up to me, while I'm in an arms-on-hips, head held high, eyes looking down on the wrong-doer type stance. But this Sunday, my pastor reminded me that forgiveness is not about either of those things. Forgiveness is about remembering that Christ forgave us by dying on the cross for our sins, and as such, we have no right to be able to keep the record of anyone else's wrong-doings either. Forgiveness is about letting go of hurt and bitterness, so that we can grow in maturity. If we don't forgive, our heart will grow hard and die out. What a great reminder!

And of course the test comes bright and early on Monday morning...

The craziness at work continues, the uncooperative people have not gotten better, and sometimes, it seems like the break will just never come! And it's at times like these, when people seem to like to test my patience the most. Yet, I must remember at times like these that God died for my sins. I'm sure it wasn't convenient for Him then either, but He did it, for me. So I must try to do it for others, without (any more) whining or complaining, and without letting any bitterness take root in my heart!

Is there something you have to let go of and forgive someone else for?

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Love bears all things...

I suppose summer is prime time for people to take vacations, which is all fine and dandy... but for those who get left behind at the office, here's what it feels like:

I came from the world of consulting, so working long hours is nothing new to me. But having to not only do my own work, but the work of 2 other people, who are on extended leave, has surely got to be breaking some type of personal record.

Unfortunately, the whole day today, I felt like I was going to snap under all the stress, and it took a lot of my energy not to unload it on my co-workers (poor people), or want to take revenge on those who are on their vacation! But thankfully, at all the right times, I was reminded that "love bears all things", so I was able to last until the end of the day... in one piece. I've resolved this week to keep persevering ahead, and to try to be as good of a witness at work as I can be, despite the given circumstances. I just have to remind myself that God's mercies and grace are sufficient for me; I just have to take it one day at a time.

Love challenge: When things get tough, remember God's mercies, and learn to bear all things!

"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."