Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Broken Pieces- Cracked Pots

Some days, and even some weeks, we are aware of how flawed we are. It's almost as if
the glaring weaknesses are in bold print. They are hard to escape and harder yet to rectify.

As I approach sixty, one of the things I've learned is this-
God loves me just as I am, but He loves me too much to leave me like that!

Yesterday I was impatient with a student. True, his behavior wasn't kind or charming. His sarcasm was biting to everyone around him. While I love teaching...this wasn't one of the fun moments.

Truth be told, I was tired. I had been up since 3am in the morning. The student's last sarcastic comment brought an impatient response from me. I've felt that from the start of the quarter he has been testing me, but that's not the issue. Few folks would have thought my response rude or uncalled for. However, I knew the inner emotions that were disguised by my remark...and they weren't pretty.

I can not bear unkindness in others. I hate it even more in myself. I felt like an old clay pot with a crack going down the side...flawed. I know there is a lesson in this moment of truth for me.

I truly believe that God works through jars of clay or "cracked pots." This means that we are all flawed. So when people look at us, and see amazing things happening, they know it must be God at work because it certainly could not be us.

So today, I'll work to forgive myself and I'll apologize to him.

He may not have any idea why I am doing that. My remark probably wouldn't register in his book of unkind comments. But it didn't feel right to me. And I know it didn't feel right to the Lord! Ah..you gotta love being human!

God Bless! Love, Linda

2 comments:

kathibest said...

My heart emphathises with your emotion of today......

When you care so much and you definately care about being a good and kind person and you feel like you have acted in a way that was not your best, it leaves a unsettled feeling in your gut.......

Fatigue sometimes brings out our "ugly side"........

I know this is easy to say and harder to do but, Don't beat yourself up..........

We are not called to be perfect but rather obedient.......

Apologize for that which you truely have done wrong, and otherwise express regret for that which has gone wrong but it not your fault...........

You are an amazing person, driven by passion and purpose..........

Being impatient is human........

Tollerance is a God given virtue...

Only God and you know your heart and intention of every word that departs from your mouth.........

I know this for sure that the Linda I know would never intentionally say or do anything to hurt anyone............

Give yourself some slack as God gives you grace...........

You are a gifted teacher and mentor.......

Never forget that... even on your self subscribed worst day......

Apologizies are powerful, your's will not doubt have a powerful impact on this man's life........

Nice work on being a graceful example of a beautiful person.......

The Farrell Family said...

Your heart is so tender to care for all of the hurts of your students. It isn't easy to remember that each person has a story, but you try to keep that in mind. I love you.

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