Loving from a Distance

"I do believe there are breaking points in a relationship, and when one of those breaking points occurs, it may no longer be advisable to stick around. Acceptance is not the same as love, so limiting one's acceptance of someone is not the same as loving with conditions. I may ultimately need to put distance between myself and someone whose behavior is unacceptable to me. That distance does not have to mean I no longer love that person unconditionally. It may simply mean it is not healthy for me to be in close proximity to him or her. It is possible to love the person but refuse his or her behavior. It is also possible to love that person but never see him or her again." (Free Inside and Out, Marilyn Meberg and Luci Swindoll)

Anniversary

Yesterday marked my five year anniversary of working at my current job. Since graduating college, I'd worked for two previous employers, but this is my longest stint at any one place thus far.

The way that I got this current job was totally God-arranged. In the summer of 2002, I knew that I was ready for a job change. I'd sent out resumes and went on a couple of interviews, but neither job was right for me. Entering fall, which was the busiest time of the year for me, I decided to put my job search on hold for a few months until things quieted down.

Little did I know what God had in store for me. Turns out that one of my friends from church was leaving her job to get married and move away, and she suggested that I submit my resume for her job. I did, not really expecting to hear anything. I was called in for an interview, and a couple of weeks went by without anything happening. I'd pretty much written off my chances when my friend's boss called and offered me the job.

And here I am, five years later. I have been so blessed to have a job that I enjoy--and on top of that, to work with people who I truly enjoy. We are like family to each other, which of course means some family squabbles from time to time, but mostly a lot of love and friendship.

Having been in that job for so long now, it's easy to take it for granted. When I talk to people who hate their jobs or their co-workers or both, or who have lost their jobs, I am reminded that God has blessed me tremendously in this current job. I need that reminder every now and then, especially when I start to complain.

Deer and NASCAR Don't Mix

Overheard at the salon tonight as I got my haircut, a conversation between a little boy (about 7 years old) and his mother:



Son: Can we put a deer head on our wall?

Mom: I'm not putting a deer head on our wall.

Son: Can I put one on my wall then?

Mom: It wouldn't go in your room with all your NASCAR stuff.

Son: We could get a helmet for the deer head. Do they make helmets for deer heads?

Mom: No, they don't.

Son: Then how we would get one?

Mom: We'd have to get a deer helmet specially made.



For some reason, the thought of a special-order deer racing helmet absolutely cracked me up. It's quite possible the jet lag and brain fog contributed to my getting tickled. I'm just glad that my stylist was unfazed by my shaking shoulders as I tried to keep from laughing.

Scripture Checks

This "news" story was hilarious to me because I just ordered Scripture checks! Watch out for revival, Montgomery!

Cleveland-area revival attributed to woman's Scripture checks

CLEVELAND — A city-wide upswing in salvations and spiritual awareness is being credited to housewife Sandy Donadio's Scripture checkbook.

Donadio ordered a box of flowery Scripture checks in May and soon began using checks that read, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart," and "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Within days, the city broke into revival.

"She left a trail of new converts behind her, at the 99 Cent store, Kroger, the auto shop, the dry cleaner," says one pastor whose congregation has grown by 30 percent. "I heard stories of grown men dropping to their knees right in public after receiving Donadio's payment. Thank God she ordered those checks."

A Bank of America bank teller says she dedicated her life to Christ after Donadio wrote a check for deposit. That check read, "I'll be like a tree planted by the water."

"I realized my need for a savior right then," says the teller. "My mom's been dunning me for years to go to church, but I had no desire until I read the special message in the corner of that check."

Donadio says she's so impressed with the unexpected results that she's ordering an extra box and plans to go on a shopping spree, "to fan the flames of revival in Cleveland."

Monday Morning Thoughts

Quite an interesting Final Four matchup, with #1 seeds playing #2 seeds. Although I typically like to root for the underdog, I have to go with Florida next weekend. At least they're an SEC team. And if they win, they'll be the first back-to-back champions since--you guessed it--my favorite Blue Devils.

Of course, I'd like to see Georgetown win on Saturday, if for no other reason than it would be a good feel-good story. Call me sentimental.
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Another reason to look forward to Heaven: no allergies! My eyes are red and puffy this morning, the consequences of spending part of the weekend doing yardwork. Until I get to Heaven, Claritin will have to suffice...
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Another reason to love Publix--all of their stores will be closed on Easter Sunday. A couple of weeks ago, the ladies in my Bible study were discussing how so many stores stay open on Sundays these days, even on major holidays. It's refreshing to see major retailers closing up shop on what should be a day of rest and worship for all of us. If you live in an area serviced by Publix, be sure to thank their management for the decision to take Easter off--and be sure to do your grocery shopping the day before Easter!

Success

I saw the following quote on Mike Cope's blog and loved it, thought I'd share it with you too:

Quite often the absence of immediate success is the mark of a genuine call.
~Bruce Larson