kristaphillips Look for what went right!!
I am learning that lately. When it feels like all is going wrong and you just can’t get a break, stop and figure out what is going right. There is always something. And it usually makes me feel better.
This last week feels like EVERYTHING has gone wrong. We had a good candidate for one of our payroll positions, and another good resume. First, the good resume called us and said she wouldn’t make the interview because she excepted another position. That was a blow for me. We are really short handed and since the process of hiring someone takes so dad blamed long, I was ready to get the ball rolling. Then, the next day, the one good candidate we had already met called and said she withdrew her name, and gave NO explanation. Seriously, do I stink?? I won’t bore you with all the other things that went wrong at work this week, but suffice to say there were many.
Then, today, I had slotted to go to my first monthly meeting of the Middle Tennessee Christian Writer’s group. I was nervous and excited at the same time, and DETERMINED to get there on time. I was also going to leave early and stop by work for a few hours to catch up on things.
Alas, God had other plans. My youngest daughter was not feeling well last night so was up until almost 2 in the morning. I therefore let myself sleep in this morning instead of going to work. I left at 9:15, plenty of time to get to the meeting in Nashville by 10. However, I had to stop by Walgreens on the way, and then once I was almost to Nashville I realized I had forgotten my directions.
Normally, this would have been a simple rectification by using my cell phone and calling my husband for help. This, however, was not a normal day. I had lost my cell phone two days ago, so had no way to contact anyone. I was left to drive up and down West End in Downtown Nashville for over twenty minutes. I finally stopped at a gas station and asked. What did they do?? They pointed me across the street. Grrr…
The meeting went well, besides being late. I am not the greatest at meeting new people but I am working on it. I will get better. I decided to forgoe stopping at the office on my way home, and go grocery shopping. We were out of milk. When I had my groceries on the belt, I realized I had forgotten my wallet in the cart. I informed the cashier, and ran like the wind out to my car.
Unfortunately I ran right through a rather large puddle in the middle of the road, soaking my sandel and leg. I was irritated but determined not to let it get me down. I got my wallet, but could not run back. My foot was slipping big time in my sandal. It would have been icing on the cake to slip and fall in the middle of the road.
When I returned to my spot, there were now 5 people in line behind me, none of them very happy. The lady asked if I needed bags (I forgot to mention I was at Aldi’s, the bag your own and buy your own bags place. Hey, they’re cheap!). I purchased 4 bags, but not before accidently pulling half the bags off the shelf. The lady next in line helped me put them back, God bless her!
Four bags ended up not being enough. I just piled the leftover groceries on top of the bagged ones in my cart. I left the store and was wheeling my buggy across the way when a box of cereal fell right into the same puddle. Did I mention there was a car coming as well?? I picked up the sopping wet box and went on my way.
There were many other irritations, but I will end my sob story there. It isn’t horribly bad, I know this. But one thing leads to another which leads to another, and I found myself at the end of my patience.
Then God reminded me of a few things. First, I still have a job. I still made it to the meeting, even if I was late. I had money to buy those groceries, and the car didn’t run into me while I was picking up that box of cereal. When I was speeding home (and I do mean speeding), I did not get stopped by the policeman I saw. I came home to three kids who I adore and a husband who loves me. Alot of people don’t have it nearly so good, and I am thankful for all I have.
