Rose's New Job

It would be several years before Rose would discover that her character had been struck down by a co-worker. This man privately told her superiors that she was undermining the work, which was totally untrue. Fresh out of college, she was still enthusiastic and excited about what she thought would be her life’s work and was giving her best efforts.

She applied for a full-time position within the Christian ministry where she had been working part-time for four years, but without explanation or even acknowledgement, those in authority chose to pass over her request for the position. She was left feeling confused and unappreciated as she had poured herself into the work with passion and commitment. Other people outside the organization interviewed for the job, but Rose was ignored. A pleasant, attractive man was selected for the job and presented to the staff. He graciously accepted the “welcomes” and well-wishes that were offered. Mortified and red-faced, Rose sat in humiliation like butter melting in a hot skillet. She hoped no one would notice her discomfort.

That night, Rose went home with her head hung and spilled out the whole disappointing story to God, her gentle and understanding Father. He, above all others, knew what it meant to be treated with disrespect and to be accused unjustly. He listened quietly to all of her complaints until her tears were spent.

The next day, word came that the new hire had called to turn down the job. He stated that he felt troubled in his spirit and knew that he did not belong there. In desperation, Rose’s boss asked her to fill the position. She was tempted to refuse, but she knew that’s where God wanted her to be. Focusing on Jesus, she knew she had a more important Boss to please and would work to please Him alone. She was reminded that God had a good plan for her life and was in control, even when circumstances looked impossible.

Hebrews 12: 1-3 tells us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

-Joyce Hague

Say "Yes" to the Apple!

I’m thinking about discipline—not a very fun word, perhaps. But what does it really mean? I must confess, self-discipline is not my strong suit. I have a hard time turning off Tetris (see last month), passing up the cookies, getting out of bed. I think it’s linked to my reluctance to say “no” or to walk away.  But what if it’s time to walk away? Time to move on or pass by? 

In Sunday School, we’ve been discussing Andy Stanley’s message about “Breathing Room,” and we’ve been invited to think about what to add or cut from our lives, what to do more or less of, in order to create the necessary “breathing room” that is healthy.  It occurs to me that if I say “yes” to more positive and productive choices---yes to reading that book for Sunday School, yes to an apple, yes to . . . Actually, I am not sure how to get myself out of bed with more ease. 

But if I fill myself and my time with what is good for me, then the not-so-good will be pushed aside. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (KJV). Another version puts it this way: “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (NASB).  Annie Dillard, in The Writing Life, reminds us that “[h]ow we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

In The Music of Silence, David Steindl-Rast speaks of “the gift of a disciplined life.” I venture to say that many of us don’t think of discipline as a gift. When we remember, though, that the root of the word “discipline” is the same as the root for “disciple,” it’s easier to see how discipline—Christian discipline in following Jesus—is indeed a gift.  

I don’t have all the answers to living a truly disciplined life, but I have gained some important insight. And I’m working on it, one apple at a time.

---Sherry Poff