December 27, 2010

No Surprises

I have an internal motto that says, ‘If you’re not early, you’re late’ and I make it a point to arrive at a scheduled event at least 10-15 minutes early. Part of my comfort level is giving time for the unexpected and avoiding surprises. I can see how someone of my character might be a frustration, not only to others, but also to the Spirit. The Spirit loves to wow us with last minute-miracles, but I like my miracles to unfold slowly with no surprises.

5 comments:

Steve Corey said...

Gail;

-----If I had an inner motto it would be like, “If I’m there and it ain’t over, I’m on time.” Believe me, people like you see miracles all the time when working with people like me. It’s a miracle we contribute anything to a cause. For people like me it seems a miracle that the Spirit has people like you to hold things together. I assure you; we are thankful.

Love you all,
Steve Corey

Christian Ear said...

Thanks Steve…I needed that!
Gail

Pumice said...

Gail,

My sympathies are with you. It drives me crazy when people wander in late and seem to think it makes them special. To me is shows a self-centered attitude and steals part of my life that I spend waiting.

But....The body of Christ is made up of all these different parts and when I read things like Steve says I have to back off and take another look at my attitude. I assume people are going to "waste" my time so I prepare. I try to have a book to read. I try to build some relationships with the people around me. I try to grow, even if I don't like it.

Grace and peace

Steve Corey said...

Pumice;
-----Thank you for your candid observation. I am sure some tardy folks think they are special in their right to tardiness. But not all think that way. In fact, my tardiness does somewhat embarrass me. But I think you are in more than general correct about the self-centered nature of tardiness. Any reason one has for being late, whether it is reasonable or just an excuse, has to do with circumstances centered around their own situation. Almost always those circumstances can be ordered in such a manner as to at least provide for being on time. Failing to order them so is more of a commitment to one’s own schedule than it is a commitment to the mutual schedules of everyone involved. There is just no honest escape from that fact.

Steve Corey

Pumice said...

Steve,

You must also have the gift of mercy to be so gracious.

Grace and peace.