Recently I've noticed how patient I'm becoming with people. for example, a customer calls me saying, "I have a complaint!, You sold me lifetime brakes and there making noise!" Rather than telling the guy, "quite being hard on your brakes idiot!, its not our fault!" I quietly said, "I'm sorry sir, we will look at it right away for you". Amazing how his attitude changed. Just like the proverb says, "a soft answer turns away wrath". Have i been transformed? Cuz back in the day he would have got an ear full.
So I think to myself, wow your a pretty patient guy. However, just when i think i've got this patience thing down, i wake up in the morning and have to spend another day working on cars. Uggghhh....
Years ago i left the brake and alignment industry to pursue my calling to do ministry. For 7 years i worked hard to live my life for the gospel alone. i worked 6 days a week, went to school part time, raised a family, and did ministry part time. The day I became a pastor full time was one of the greatest moments of my life. I didn't care what i had to go through, as long as i could spend my days living for the gospel.
For the next 7 years i devoted myself to serving God full time, while raising a family. there were so many things to accomplish, so many places to go, so much to do. I never thought in a million years i would ever go back to square one.
Unfortunately that all changed the day my x wife filed for divorce. No more spending hours studying the word, long nights in bible study, hospital visits, the many quit times with God, and most of all the freedom to go when God says go.
Now its 10 hours a day, six days a week explaining to people why they need brakes and how much. I am thankful for a job, don't get me wrong, but i so miss serving Christ. Oh i know the cliche thing to say is, "your a minister wherever you are"...huh, I'm sorry but that doesn't seem to help much. The bible tells us, whatever you do, do it to the glory of God. My boss probably wouldn't appreciate me evangelizing on his dollar, but of course i break the rules here and there. I am dedicated to my job, but my heart is somewhere else. I just pray God will use me again to teach his word.
I suppose this pot hole in the road that has me sidelined is meant to accomplish many things. I am definitely learning to overcome anxiety and learning more about patience. I Have been given a second chance for love. My new wife is the most amazing women ever. I know God will open the door again. So many lives hang in the balance between heaven and hell. It's torture not being able to spend my days fighting for the souls of salvation. Hopefully soon......
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