We all have our form of struggle. Each day brings them to us as we live in a fallen world stained by the calamity of Godly disobedience and selfish consummation. From the simplest form, like lazily leaving shopping carts in the neighboring parking stall (our time immensely more valuable that takng time to return it to the corral), messing up merchandise on shelves abandoning them in disarray or returning them in the wrong place (leaving it for workers to return or neaten them), abusing employees because something outside their control happened (taking it out on them as you are upset), to the more complex, cutting off others while driving, or getting upset because someone didn't take the time to see you or purposely cut you off, someone chooses to drive having consumed too much alcohol or illegal substance and it costs others lives. And I could go on and on about selfish acts costing each of us in this world.
Rather than choose to focus on such, I take notice and personally do otherwise, and it is a struggle when others take no notice, challenging my pride and reason for doing so. How can one man, returning carts (not just to the corral but to the store) alone make a difference? How can my picking up store clothing lying on the floor or straightening other's messes make a difference? Why don't others notice and do the same? Why do I want others to pat me on the back and thank me for such simple act of kindness? Because I still struggle with pride; My sinful nature to want some personal glorification or appreciation for my goodness and care for others. Ouch.
Every day I work hard for Lowe's. I do grunt work, sort out PVC fittings and all the other thousands of plumbing stuff that others return to wrong bins (like laundry, a never ending job), do the work my colleagues don't like doing with the same diligence and effort I do in all my other work there (patiently helping customers), and while many of my colleagues and customers notice my diligence, rarely get thanks or compliments for my efforts, and yet I continue working with verve and diligence.
My Immaculate Plumbing Aisle #17
My hours have been reduced, and I could complain, but I don't, for God has been giving me other work where I am greatly appreciated, using my skills in more ways to make a difference. This contrast has been very enlightening for this soul. We ALL do not get credit, by others, for the good things we are led to do, and I think it a humility check. And there is reason, for I have become satisfied that my God knows my heart and is giving me a heart check as I move through life. I am satisfied and take pride that my work, my diligence is seen by Him and can be seen by others who might notice (besides, I like a sharp looking aisle, it just looks good!).
I don't care if anyone notices anymore. I only care and realize that He sees my efforts. He is asking me to work hard, care for others in ways as He leads for His purpose in the lives of others. Be it as I provide pastoral counsel, writing this blog, returning carts, sorting out PVC fittings, taking out the trash before Carrie asks, doing grunt work no one likes doing, gracefully allowing others to enter my lane forcefully or ignorantly, or even taking the time to notice another's struggles as with Tori's brain tumor and her valiant struggles.
As this new year approaches, I have a new attitude approaching. I am changing my expectations. I always get disappointed when my expectations are not met. In the Christmas receiving we may expect too much, not getting what we hoped feeling a bit of remorse or disappointment in the aftermath. In all my disappointments, I have come to discover my need to garner greater appreciation for them. Yes, being thankful for disappointments leads me to appreciate what I do have and the love offered me by those who gave what they thought I'd like or do.
At Lowe's I have often told myself that they pay me the same whether I sort PVC fittings or patiently take time to listen to customers so I can figure out what they are looking for and how I can best help them in their 'need'. Serving as an unpaid shepherd in my church, I soon will be joining staff there with some stipend and a position that lets me and others know my gifts of helps will continue along with some affirmation there. My construction knowledge will be used to help others as I work in their homes, consulting and doing various projects with them. And I will go and do with the same diligence as I am carried forward, in everything, and yes, I will face disappointments in them all if I set my expectations beyond anything I am to do.
We have choice, we have opportunity, we have decisions that will form who we are as we live. Everyday our choice, opportunity and decisions we make will affect not just our lives, but the lives of everyone around us. I no longer care if anyone joins me and my daily choice to care for others, but sure wish everyone around would. For if we all truly cared? The world would be amazingly transformed around us. Until then? I expect to see Him work, see His glory revealed as I choose to do His will for me, each day. I make my choice, my opportunity, my decision to care. That alone for this soul is enough, and my sole expectation. It is enough that my God alone knows, sees and hopefully appreciates my diligent response to His leading, evidence of His care for this soul for His glory.
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