January 9, 2020

Kit came on board this week as our new Youth Pastor. That meant rearranging the offices in Dennis Hall because I was bound and determined that all the staff, with the exception of the MDO, would office in the same building. This is one of those ideas that sounds good as a concept but is much more difficult in reality.

In order to make everyone fit, I looked at the size of the different offices. I decided to move Melissa and Grace into Pastor Brian’s old office. And by putting two people in one office, that would cause as little disruption as possible for the rest of the staff. But then came a problem I didn’t see coming.

You see, I truly believe in the open door policy. Unless I am in a counseling session, my office door is always open. Pastor Brian, who was across the hall, did the same thing. But it was never an issue because there wasn’t much noise coming out of his office. That has changed.

Now that Melissa and Grace are together, there is a continual stream of people walking in and out. Also, I am very entertained by many of the comments that drift across the hall.

A few days ago, when it was very loud, Melissa called out from her desk, “Do you like having us across the hall?” After mulling my response over for a few hours, I answered.

Apparently, because I didn’t immediately say how wonderful it was having them in their new office, they were a little miffed.

Life is full of irritants like insensitive bosses, reckless drivers, rude cashiers; the list goes on and on….

So what? Does it really matter that the world is filled with annoying people? Don’t let them get to you. And whenever you allow someone get under your skin, you give them power over you.

King Solomon said: “Fools reveal their anger right away, but the shrewd hide their contempt.” (Proverbs 12:16)

Life’s too short to be angry about everything. So don’t let it happen.

Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, whenever I become impatient with someone else, remind me of the patience you have shown me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

I started to quote Solomon’s wise words to Melissa and Grace but then I realized Solomon called anyone who showed their anger a fool. I decided that would be bad for my health.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.

Tom Robbins