I have always believed in the power of prayer. But I am now believing that more and more. I don't think I can get through a day never mind my life without it. I start each day with about 45 minutes of just being quiet, doing a daily devotional of listening to a story and reading my Bible and then ending in prayer. My time in my work place still seems to be a source of stress and frustration for me. The demands are huge and the time to accomplish them are less and less. I love most people I deal with, but then you get some that just rub you the wrong way. I like to think I am pretty good at dealing with them most of the time. Remaining professional and trying to not let them get the best of me. But it is not easy. In fact, it is very difficult at times. I let them get the best of me and then I come home full of regret with how I handled the situation.
Starting my day with prayer has been a powerful tool for me. It's an opportunity to ask for forgiveness for how I have handled something the day before and to ask for strength to make today even better.
The other day I had a conversation with a client that didn't go well. He took me off guard with his criticism about how I was managing the "shop" and I got defensive. And when I did he criticized me even more. Then he threatened to file an official complaint with my boss. Of course I was stewing over it all night, and most of the weekend until Monday morning when I faced my boss. During that time, I kept praying to God that He would have my back. I thought that would be an impossible ask, that I needed to just face the music. I knew that I could have handled it better but I didn't need my boss being so disappointed with me. The more I prayed, the more confident I got. But I still managed to let it get the best of me. When I got to work on Monday I immediately went to my boss and told her about it. She just said not to worry about it and thanked me for the heads up so she would know how to respond to him. He was in the wrong. And yes, I could have done it better, but we all have days like that.
I walked away, thanking God!! for having my back. I realized that I spent a lot of time worrying about something that was totally unnecessary.
But the biggest realization that I have had in the last few days, is that I am not perfect. I never will be. But I have a perfect God I can call out to for help when I need it. Which is hourly some days! This realization has helped me reduce some of the guilt I carry day after day. Some days I mess up. And I will try to do better the next time. But all in all, I am a pretty good person. I have good intentions. And I do contribute to society in a positive, compassionate way.
I try to put my best foot forward every day. Some days it feels like my foot slipped on a banana peel, but most days - I'm feeling pretty good about myself. I have confidence! I have faith! I have grace! I have mercy!
Here's some verses that I have found helpful
Psalm 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusted in Him and I am helped.
1 Peter 5:6-7 - Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Casting all your cares on Him as He cares for you.
Philippians 4:6 - Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication. with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.
Starting my day with prayer has been a powerful tool for me. It's an opportunity to ask for forgiveness for how I have handled something the day before and to ask for strength to make today even better.
The other day I had a conversation with a client that didn't go well. He took me off guard with his criticism about how I was managing the "shop" and I got defensive. And when I did he criticized me even more. Then he threatened to file an official complaint with my boss. Of course I was stewing over it all night, and most of the weekend until Monday morning when I faced my boss. During that time, I kept praying to God that He would have my back. I thought that would be an impossible ask, that I needed to just face the music. I knew that I could have handled it better but I didn't need my boss being so disappointed with me. The more I prayed, the more confident I got. But I still managed to let it get the best of me. When I got to work on Monday I immediately went to my boss and told her about it. She just said not to worry about it and thanked me for the heads up so she would know how to respond to him. He was in the wrong. And yes, I could have done it better, but we all have days like that.
I walked away, thanking God!! for having my back. I realized that I spent a lot of time worrying about something that was totally unnecessary.
But the biggest realization that I have had in the last few days, is that I am not perfect. I never will be. But I have a perfect God I can call out to for help when I need it. Which is hourly some days! This realization has helped me reduce some of the guilt I carry day after day. Some days I mess up. And I will try to do better the next time. But all in all, I am a pretty good person. I have good intentions. And I do contribute to society in a positive, compassionate way.
I try to put my best foot forward every day. Some days it feels like my foot slipped on a banana peel, but most days - I'm feeling pretty good about myself. I have confidence! I have faith! I have grace! I have mercy!
Here's some verses that I have found helpful
Psalm 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusted in Him and I am helped.
1 Peter 5:6-7 - Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Casting all your cares on Him as He cares for you.
Philippians 4:6 - Be anxious about nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication. with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.