A boy used to pick raspberries when he was in junior high. The job included eating all the berries he wanted. But the bushes irritated his arms and they got scratched up. So, he soon learned the hard way that he needed to prepare by wearing long sleeves.
He used to deliver morning newspapers when he was in ninth grade. He soon learned that people wanted their newspapers on time so he needed to get up earlier and make sure he was on time. And some of his customers were very irritating to him because they didn’t pay their bill and then they avoided him.
In high school, he had a job working in a drugstore cleaning and dusting. But since he had hay fever, he discovered that the dust caused irritation in his nose and throat. It wasn’t a big deal and he plowed his way through it.
He worked at college basketball camps for many summers. He soon learned the hard way that this job involved a lot of effort. Every coach was doing their best during the 16-hour days in a gymnasium that was 100°. So, he learned that he needed to pace himself while doing his best and drink liquids.
It takes work and effort to accomplish anything in our lives. You reap what you sow.
“What a person plants, he will harvest.” – Galatians 6:7
God put the light in you! Sometimes you work with people who are difficult to work with. They irritate you. How do you handle it? Do you focus on Colossians 3:23?
You are working for God, not people.
By being prepared and punctual you can do your job with efficiency and be a great example to others. There are always roadblocks and irritants. How do you handle it? God is the hope that leads you out of the dark!
There will be flare ups and people who are difficult to get along with. Sometimes there is danger. As a high school teacher for 35 years, I found out one day that I had a student in my class for an hour who had a gun strapped to his leg under his pants. Who knew? I certainly didn’t.
When there is friction, complaining and discontent at work, remember to fight with God’s weapons of compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength and patience. (Colossians 3:12).
It can be done!
Slow down, pray to God, walk away, wait, listen more, speak less, control yourself, sleep on it and write a note and don’t send it. Do not allow your anger to be out of control! (James 1:19-20).
Let Jesus be in charge!
God put the light in the Christian. Let your light shine!
Tom Weckesser
Every Day With God 