I wrote a few months back about how hard it was going to be to be the boss in certain circumstances.
I have found out now that I had absolutely no idea how hard it would be! I wasn't even close. Refocusing my efforts and re-centering my spirit and mind is now the priority as I jot down the following ideas. I am going to take things day by day and make sure every step of the way that I am right where I should be. "Where should I be," you might ask? Matthew chapter 5 of course!
Anger
22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.
- I should be serving life in prison for all the feelings I have had in the last month or so... Still working on this one.
Distractions
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
- This is such a great reminder of how I am not turning to the one place that gives me peace! When I do, am I clearing my head of any and all distractions? Am I leaving it all behind when I worship, pray, or fellowship?
Disagreements
25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
- This one is tough! I am, by definition, working in a position and for an institution that does NOTHING quickly. I am in the eye of the bureaucratic storm... I have a few penny's left though, I suppose.
Promises & Worthless Speech
33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ 34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
- My hope this year, a goal, if you will, has been to "talk less and say more."
- How much worthless chatter comes out of my mouth on a daily basis?
- How many stupid texts do I write?
- How many empty promises do I make?
- Ouch. That's all I can say.
