Don't Let It Get To You

Okay, God really does have a sense of humor.

I like to take the lectionary readings one day at a time, it helps me not formulate my own opinion about what the overall "message" is supposed to be. So imagine my reaction when I read today's verses from Mark 6:1-13 and having the thought about shaking the dust of a place that isn't accepting off my sandals fill my mind. I'm not sure what the scholars are saying about this one, but let me tell you what I think; to be an effective leader we need to be able to shake off the things that don't go right and not take it personal.

Let me explain why I'm amused. If you recall yesterday's blog about getting angry and swearing for the first time in several years you'll understand where the chuckling is coming from. What happened the other day really was not supposed to get that far, not if I had been in better control of what was truly important; the relationships of those around me to God, themselves, and to me.

Yes, I got passionate about an issue of justice. Yes, I turned over a few tables to make my point. Yes, I stopped a sales person from being a bully. But, I honestly did not need to resort to anger at that level. Instead I should have shaken it off and done what I needed to do in order to fix the issue. I could have let the situation calm down, wait until everyone involved was ready to listen, then go forward in trying to solve the issue.

God really does have a sense of humor, and I thank God for letting me laugh about what happened.