I mentioned yesterday morning how I was already coughing and sneezing and how I was concerned about preaching at the RV Park - well - this is what happens when one asks God to help; to take over. The entire time I was at the RV park, not a sniffle, not a sneeze, not a cough. I was able to speak clearly without any problems. Once I got back in the car afterwards - yep - it started again. Grateful. COVID is going around in the park again and I didn't want anyone to be afraid I was bringing it. The service went well, I think. I get a couple weeks 'off' then we head up to a RV park up north a little ways. Then I'm 'off' until New Years Day.
I did something I felt I needed to do. Rather, I said something. Hubby complains (frequently to me) that he isn't asked to speak as often as I am. He frequently makes 'comments' to different ones about his lack of being asked to speak more often. (He has one speaking engagement at each location this year) It's embarrassing sometimes for me, cause he will seek compliments as well. "Well, so and so says it was good, why are they not asking me to speak more often?" Last year, up north, they were taping the messages and posting on You Tube. After he spoke, I sent it to him so that he could listen. He speaks in a monotone voice; no expression, and well, one could easily fall asleep. He agreed; it wasn't real good, in spite of any compliments he got.
Now I'm not sharing this to put him down ,,, I'm just sharing. And, I may go back and delete it if I can come up with anything else to write about. But this is on my mind this morning. A week ago I saw him talking to the 'leader' of the RV park. Later he shared that he had asked her 'candidly' about how he could improve his speaking so that he would be asked more often. It made me uncomfortable when he told me about it, but I didn't say anything to him. Yesterday I went over and was talking to her and she asked if hubby could attend a toastmasters group. I told her he had, several years ago. Then she told me about the conversation last week. This woman is a motivational speaker; she knows how to speak in public places. She said she would bring his request back to the board and ask what they wanted to do (the church board actually decides who will speak when). I looked at her and I just said, "Barb, may I just say to you, 'don't worry about it'? It's OK. He's 85 years old; he is getting slower in many ways. We don't know what this next year will bring. Please do not let it worry you." She looked at me and said "Thank you. We love Tom, but really I have to go by what the board decides." The Board meets every Tuesday and discusses each sermon. I told her that if I was not reaching the people with the messages I bring, then please, do not fear telling me I am not needed. I am ok with it. She shared she had to write a letter to one preacher last year who was starting to get dementia and he actually got angry they weren't going to use him any more. We know the people in this RV park love us; we've been going there since about 2011. We are fairly close friends with most and have gone out to meals with some of the couples.
Don't think I'm crazy - but as I wrote the above, this song just came in to my mind.... here is a line of the lyrics..... from The Gambler.
"You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em. Know when to walk away and know when to run."
I looked it up. Written by Don Schlitz many years ago, this song became very popular when Kenny Rogers sang it. Don Schlitz said that it was a comment his father had taught him - but it had to do with business. You need to know when to keep someone, and when to let them go. Interesting, don't you think?
As I read in my devotional this morning, something resonated; perhaps it will for you as well. "All of us have impossible people in our lives. All we can do is circle them in prayer. It's the only way to keep our attitude in check. And prayer has the power to change the heart of Pharaoh. So every time I got angry, I converted it into a prayer. I think it's the closest I've ever come to praying without ceasing because I was angry all the time." Most of us have 'those people' in our lives who either irritate us or drive us crazy, right? Some people came to mind as I read that - and it probably happened to you as well. So what do you do with that?
Do you allow it to make you angry all over again? Did you know that the more you shoot out a 'sentence prayer' to God to work in these people, to take care of them, to bless them, that you will find the thought of them don't irritate you near as much? It doesn't mean you will become friends; but it keeps you from being in bondage of your hatred and anger at them. As long as we hold on to our feelings of anger or hatred, we are held in bondage to the people we are angry at - and they don't even know it! Some days I find myself sending up minute prayers frequently. Yeah.... I DO have people who irritate me and even make me angry. Imagine that! Most often it is people who have hurt me in one way or another.... it is easy to pray for them, for it makes my heart not hurt so badly. Prayer does that, ya know. Even just a sentence prayer or two.
Wrapped a few more Christmas gifts last night.... I think I'm through with the two boys and their families. Got my little sister's and in-laws wrapped and packed and they are ready to go out in the mail today. Need to start on my daughter's and her families gifts now. Little by little I'm getting these things done. I do need to go get more wrapping paper. Still using from what I bought two years ago... and I'm finally getting to the end of it, I think. I'm slowly reclaiming the bed back here.
I probably should get on the work computer early today... last time I checked, I had 101 messages. Wish some people would not work weekends! I have much to do - issues with scheduling the board retreat - and now I need to find another venue. Must get that resolved today for sure. UGH. Things like this really make me want to retire NOW.
Today is a new day - make the best of it! Rejoice in it, for God has given you this day. Do good today. Bless someone. Be kind.
Blessings!
