I’m so frustrated right now.
Wanna hear why???
First of all, I’ve been out of town for about 5 days, on family business.
Notice I said business, and not family fun!
Meetings all day, decisions to make – mainlining coffee to try to stay awake.
I finally arrived home Sunday night, absolutely exhausted – thanks to jet lag, and a wonderfully well-timed "spring forward" time change.
Today (I’m writing this post on Monday, by the way) has not been a red-letter day. By the way, what exactly IS a red-letter day, anyway? I’d sure like to have one…
First thing this morning I had to take my car into the shop. Yes, Eddie the Explorer is getting a little creaky – he’s 12 years old right now. But I thought he’d be OK for a while when I got a brand-new fuel pump for him in January ($$$).
No, now his ball joints and arms have to be replaced – (I don’t know a thing about cars, but this just sounds sad. Like an old man going in for hip replacement…)
And, of course, there’s also the mysterious "droning" noise that started about three weeks ago.
Eddie’s "handwriting on the wall" might be saying – Help me, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.
We can’t swing a new car right now – it’s bad enough that replacing Eddie’s joints are going to be expensive – and we still don’t know what’s causing the drone ($$$$$).
OK, ready for the next thing?
I forgot to schedule my blog post for this morning. So when I got up, luckily I remembered, and published it – 4 ½ hours late. I like to publish it early in consideration of my buddies in the east – but today, I had another one of those "senior moments" that I’m so fond of. Maybe I should blog about it – oh wait, I did…
Then I had to go to the DMV to renew my driver’s license. Seems at my age (29), they require you to come in for a vision test. "What chart? There’s an eye chart up there? Oh, that fuzzy white thing?" "The Hub" and I had an appointment to avoid the loooonnng lines – even arrived early. Had to wait because all their computers were down!
I took the time to practice the eye chart…
I passed. I get to be a road hazard for another 5 years!
Finally, I got home and started to catch up on all that I’ve missed in Blog Land since I’ve been gone. Don’t want any of you guys to think that I’ve been ignoring you…
And then, right in the middle of trying to leave a pithy, well-thought-out, insightful, profound comment on someone’s blog – poof! My computer refused to load pages. GRRR!! Doesn’t anyone understand?!?!? I’ve got work to do!
Called the computer tech line – it’s not the computer. Called the cable company – lovely automated voice told me, "We’re sorry. We’re experiencing a service outage in your area. We are dispatching technicians to the area to work on the problem. However, we do not know when service will be restored. Is there anything else we can help you with?"
Yes, but I don’t think what I want to say should be recorded!
So, now I’m writing a post (a rant, a tantrum, a diatribe) about the whole sordid mess.
But, I’ve got to turn this into something about God.
Lord, could you help me out here?
So I turn to my Bible and open it – a Monday "Bible Pick ‘Ems" – to see what He has to say.
"And everyone who has given up…for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life." (Matthew 19:29)
Thank you, Lord, for giving me a little (a lot) vision correction. Thank you for providing some much-needed heavenly perspective.
His words to me:
"Sharon, why do you get so upset about things that don’t really matter in the end? Why do you try so hard to make things work, and then get so frustrated when they don’t? Don’t you believe that I know about your car and your finances? Yes, you passed your vision test at the DMV, but you failed the faith vision test miserably today. And I’m asking you again, why are you so consumed with blogging? Are you really in Blog Land for Me, for My purposes?"
OUCH…
So, I’m confessing to you all – my red-letter day was a big, fat, red "F." And I’m really embarrassed by it. And convicted…
Lord, forgive me for being superficial and shallow – for forgetting about the eternal things, the important things – the things that I’m really working for. Teach me to give up these petty annoyances and irritating frustrations in life. Help me to focus on the hundred-fold reward!
And never, ever let me forget – Your greatest gift – eternal life…
WITH YOU!
How are you doing on your vision test? Are you focusing on the eternals?
BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"
No! No! No!
ReplyDeleteYour Red Letter Day was an A+!
Isn't that what red letters are, after all? They are the words of Christ scrawled across the pages of the book.
Didn't He write them to you today?
Didn't you LISTEN?
Didn't you share it with us?
Didn't you just make a difference in my life and perspective just now?
Yes to all the above.
You didn't fail. You just had the book upside down for a while.
Everything that you wrote this morning is something that I'm struggling with RIGHT NOW.
The situations are differnt, but I'm frustrated because I got my blog all dressed up and don't have the time or oomph to post anything. Sigh.
Believe it or not, I can't even seem to comment on blog posts. I can do one or two, and then the next blog won't come up at all or if it does, I get the whirly swirly sign when I try to comment. It happened when I tried to come here. I tried from my blogger homepage and from my blog. Finally, I typed you directly into the browser, and believe me, when I did it I was kind of popping at the keys.
I was about to scream this beautiful morning. AND THEN, you wrote out your red letter day for me to read.
Thank you Sharon. I'm copying off your paper, and we're both going to pass this one.
You're the best. Do you know that?
And then I misspelled different.
ReplyDeleteAnd then, it took me three tries to even get the word verification to come up.
And then, when it did, it said "killea".
And I said... Kill ya...
I need to go back and reread the red letter day post.
Oh Sharon,
ReplyDeleteI relate to the frustrations, I too have been having difficulty posting comments etc.
I so relate to the senior moments, don't want too, though, see my blog
I think the Lord will see me as a slow learner on many things, but Praise His Name, He sticks with me as He sticks with you.
Take care my friend and be blessed. Nita.
Oh know the car deal...you should hear ours! I wished my boys were there to help you out, they can fix most of my stuff. But we have two running cars, I am so glad, we have been down to one for two years and that wasn't fun.
ReplyDeleteThe eye test...oh I just went through that and boy did I feel my age, just in case I had forgotten.
I loved this...I needed this. I have to confess I failed horribly yesterday and will have to pick up pieces for days...when will I learn?
You have shared and I am blessed and encouraged in my day...so this teacher says, "A plus" because the purpose of a test is to learn and teach others what you have learned...and you have.
Thanks for the great comment on my post...you always seem to get me! I love reading your comments and feel we have just finished a good conversation. Thanks!
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteThank you for keeping it real. We are all prone to "go there." Lord, please help us all to be more prone to go on "automatic" in gospel mode.
Also, Sharon, I feel you on this, "And I’m asking you again, why are you so consumed with blogging? Are you really in Blog Land for Me, for My purposes?"
As I wrote some weeks ago on your blog, our Lord dealt with me about blog idolatry. I slip back into it sometimes and hear our Lord's rebuke. And I slip into other forms of idolatry, and our Lord has to chide me about those matters.
Typically, I re-position myself to be where our Lord needs me in Him, but we so need His help to stay focused on what is most meaningful - GOD FIRST.
Father, please help us all.
(((Sharon))) Thank you though for sharing your day and your frustrations and aggravations with us; we all have them (LOL mine wasn't so hot either yesterday, but I didn't have to face the DMV, that is a nightmare in itself on top of everything else!!!) I hope they do find out what is wrong with Eddie; got to have that car working right; I'm with you; we have an 11 y/o van I drive and its going to keep on going until it can't then we'll see. I know God does know all and will meet needs, its hard sometimes to grasp that in the middle of a crisis (or what we perceive as a crisis). I thank you though for sharing your day with us; I think God was talking to me through it.
ReplyDeleteglad you got home safely though from Chicago and I hope the business got all taken care of.
Oh geesh about the vision test at the DMV. I just renewed my license for four years, but I'm thinking maybe next time could be when I get called in; better start studying now :)
betty
Sharon - I'm kind of glad to see you human! lol I think we all do that don't you?
ReplyDeleteGlad you passed your test. I think it's a good thing you can see to drive.
And your poor car - I can empathize with you there.
ANd truthfully - today - not going so hot here either.
Love,
sandie
We all have days like this...our focus goes right to the temporary problems and our perspective is way off. I appreciate your honesty...I am amazed how a few things can get my thoughts in a tailspin too. Oh and when you find out what that mysterious "droning" noise " is, please let me know...my car is 13 this year!
ReplyDeleteGod has a way of helping us to get the right perspective, doesn't He? Sounds like your red-letter day was one we can all relate to! Thanks for the great reminder on Whom we should focus!
ReplyDeleteLiving for Him, Joan
I have to confess. You had such a horrible day but your post cracked me up. I'm still giggling. God certainly knows how to put things back into the right perspective.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm sending a prayer your way regarding your car. Car problems can make a person go insane. (:
I had a day like this last Tuesday. By 9:30am, I was in such a foul mood I wanted to go home and crawl back into bed. Luckily, I didn't have that option. In the end, everything that had consumed me all day, was meaningless. (And the $40 I thought I lost had ended up in SAM'S wallet. The sneaky thief.)
ReplyDeleteI think when it comes to eternal vision, we could all use some good Lasik surgery. Luckily, we have the technology. (Or some sort of analogy that makes sense.)
I think you are *tremendous*...I know that every single time I am privileged to read your blog, I walk away convicted. Today is no exception. You are doing great things, Mrs. Sharon! I promise you that!
I have been praying for you in your travels and family dealings. I know neither of those things are easy.
And thank you for your compliment on the new blog look. That Mrs. Debbie is such a trendsetter. ;)
Debbie - I'm going to take that A+! Thank you! I'm sorry that you related to this post (not wanting anybody to have problems) - but sorta glad to know that I'm not alone. Thanks for your very encouraging words. Remember, what doesn't "killea" only makes you stronger!!
ReplyDeleteNita - I'm glad that God's patience with me lasts as long as it does! He does stick with us through EVERYTHING, doesn't He?! Frustrations are really just ways to release our lives to God more - He is in control. I wish I was a quicker learner!
Janette - Just got my car back today. BIG problems - BIG $$$. Sigh...and GRRR!! Aren't you glad, though, that God is with us in every moment - even on the bad days? He's a great friend - and He's always willing to help pick up the pieces.
Sandra - Amen to everything you said. It is so frustrating sometimes how human we all are. I agree - blogging is a wonderful tool to be used for God's purposes. But sometimes we (that would be me) need to be reminded of who is in charge. Yes, Sandra, Father please help us all.
Betty - Just trying to keep it real. Eddie's working, but it cost an arm and a leg to do it. Oh well. Thank you for reminding me that God is always there - and what I might deem a "crisis" is probably just a test - the Lord is working His purposes through all of it. (Didn't have to take the test at the DMV - thank goodness!)
Sandie - You doubted that I'm a struggler?? You should see me when I get aggravated - second thought, maybe not, it isn't pretty! I do think we're all like that - I suppose that's why I put it out there. I knew you all would understand! Was your Thursday any better?
MORE TO FOLLOW...
Anita - We are so easily distracted, aren't we? It's frustrating to myself to be that way. Fortunately, we have a God who cares, and has a loving way to redirect our minds back to the truly important things. (PS - the droning noise was the bearings. Don't know what the bearings DO exactly, just know that they were very $$$ to replace!)
ReplyDeleteJoan - Maybe we need red-letter days more often - to readjust our focus. And to turn us to the red-letter words of our Lord (thanks to Debbie's comment above for that idea!)
Alisa - OK, I do try to maintain a slight sense of humor on these frustrating days! Writing about it helped me giggle a bit, too. Thanks for the prayers on the car. It cost a lot to fix it, but it's really running good now.
Jennie - Sam, a closet pickpocket??? Yup, forget the glasses. To continue the analogy (loved the Lasik idea) - we really need surgery to fix the focus problem. Holy Spirit surgery from the inside out!! Thank you for your very kind comments about my blog. You'll never know how much I appreciate it. And yes, I love your new blog look. Be careful, though, following Debbie's trends - she could get us all in trouble!!
GOD BLESS!