Wearing Down

How does your day begin?

Each morning I rise, I start my day with a prayer and some quiet time with God and the Bible. As I'm not exactly a "morning person" it gives me just the boost I need on most days to it get going.

Then there's the joyous ride to work. There was a time that South Florida driving would bring out the 'best' in me, but Christ has given me peace and Way-fm (Christian music station) sustains it.

By day, I'm a claims adjuster for a Tire & Wheel insurance company. On the average I take 45-55 calls per day - mainly from individuals who haven't read their policies. I have realized pretty quickly that my job offers an opportunity to grow my patience/endurance while also recognizing on the problematic calls that it's not about me.

As a Christian, I believe my work environment offers me a place to 'encourage', or witness to all those around me in a unique way - after all we are all facing the same callers.

I will admit however, that the only perfection still to this day is Jesus.

Walking into the office in a positive mood goes a long way ... until eventually there's that one caller who is just a bit more difficult than the rest and the tide turns. I can feel the 'monster' within begin to awake, and if I don't refocus soon, attitude enters followed by talking under my breath and it all just unravels from there.

Then I get to thinking ... which can be scary. Why am I letting this get to me? Why am I allowing this one thing to ruin my witness? Why am I wearing down?

Did Jesus complain? Did Jesus allow the suffering he endured for me change His witness or willingness to fulfill His purpose? I don't think so. He did ask God in Gethsemane, “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Jesus knew what task lied before Him, and willingly chose to fulfill the task - without complaint.

So why can't I face the silly, little, uncomfortable things that happen throughout my work day, or any other part of the day without dropping my guard or losing focus? Why do I let the little things wear me down?

Oh yeah! I'm not perfect - but I'm better now with Christ in my heart than the worldly man I was before.

Here's a verse that can help in that time of need.

James 1:2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.