After a rather wonderful week in D.C. and a multi-day birthday celebration, I felt like all that was right in my world came crashing down. It's always difficult to get back in the swing of work, and to be given a less than stellar evaluation on the 2nd day back was disheartening. My job performance was rate 3 out of 5 => meets standards. I'm a type A overachiever, so that kind of rating is like being told that I'm not doing my job. I've been fussing about it for days to anyone who would listen. Honestly, I just needed my ego stroked. However, it should not matter how other people perceive what I do as long as I do it to the best of my ability and to the glory of God.
Colossians 3:23-24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
I'm heading back to work tomorrow, with what I hope is a better attitude and a desire to keep my game at a high level.
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Sunday, February 18, 2018
A Gift from Above
I came back from my conference and took a couple days off work - mainly to celebrate my birthday, which have decided to count in levels instead of years. I mean doesn't it sound cooler to say I've reached Level 52 than to say I'm 52 years old? It sounds more like a planned accomplishment. ;)
Thursday, I volunteered at my daughters school, ate lunch with my son, did almost nothing during the afternoon, and had dinner ready for my daughter. I think I even did a little calculus with my son. On Friday (my birthday), I had a massage, ate lunch with my BFF and son, had cake with my mom, dad and daughter, and just enjoyed spending time with everyone.
Life began returning to normal on Saturday with way too many loads of laundry. However Sunday was a true gift! It was sunny and warm (70s). I got to go to church, out to eat and for a wonderful walk outside with my mom. The weather was absolutely perfect! I could have received no gift for which I was more thankful than a warm, sunny day. And no gift better than knowing God is guiding me toward my path in life.
Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Giving Honor
On January 29, 2017, Navy Seal William Ryan Owens died on a mission in Yemen. I once talked with him on the phone after finding myself in posessiin of dozens of photos and letters his mom had saved over his lifetime. I wanted to return them, so I tracked him using his wife's name Carryn. The call to Virgina Beach was brief, but I assured him I would send her personal memories to him, mailing them the next day.
That awful day in January, I stared at the news article announcing his death. He was smiling, just like in all of those old photos I found. It broke my heart for his wife and kids. I vowed that if I every traveled to DC, I would go to Arlington National Cemetery and see where he was buried.
Yesterday I went. It was a rainy, dreary day. I walked to the far corner of the cemetery which held the most recent graves. I found him. I said goodbye. I gave a silent prayer for his family and that he was enjoying the riches of heaven.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
May you always know you served your country well, Ryan.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
May you always know you served your country well, Ryan.
Sunday, February 4, 2018
Not the Routine
I have a routine on Sundays - a little exercise, a little coffee, mid-morning church, picking up lunch, writing my blog, doing some calculus or some other homework with my kids, walking if it's warm enough, making supper, getting ready for the week, and bedtime.
Last week, my routine got sidetracked right after church. We had our white elephant cousin's party with my mom's family. It's a downsized reunion, complete with a crazy game of re-gifted Christmas presents. A little less than 40 relatives gathered to celebrate just being together. We played and laughed and generally filled a few hours with joy.
For this one reason, I forgot to write my blog. I remembered it Monday on the way to work and the next time I thought about it was Wednesday. By then I decided to wait until today. So, my apologies for not updating my story last week - but it was a time with the family that I wouldn't trade for anything. :)
Now we have jumped into February 2018. Wow! What happened to January? I awoke this morning to freezing temperatures, ice on the trees and heavy rains. My routine got derailed once again.
Proverbs 19:21 There are many plans is a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel - that will stand.
My day hasn't gone as planned, but God provided a way for me to hear His Word. I was able to watch our church service live on Facebook and it felt as if I was there, using technology in the best way!
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