A Christ follower living in a secular world: Don't be in such a hurry.

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Don't be in such a hurry.: You know sometimes we can be in such a hurry to get some place else we miss out on what is right in front of us. At my work last night, I wa...

Don't be in such a hurry.

You know sometimes we can be in such a hurry to get some place else we miss out on what is right in front of us. At my work last night, I was helping someone finish their task and it ran a little longer than our scheduled shift. It only took like 5 minutes extra or so. My knowledge was superior to his in the area he was working and because of that I averted a problem he was unaware of which would have caused a big waste of time and him some embarrassment. I was glad to lend a hand and very happy to be of use.

Most times when I'm leaving work I am much like everyone else in that I'm busting for the door to get home. Last night(really meaning 7 AM when my shift ends) since I was already a few minutes behind schedule I kind of surrender it and wasn't in a hurry. I saw the person I talked about in my previous blog(You should be thankful you have a job) and had a short but meaningful conversation about my position on the subject at hand. We had some great communicative discussion and I came away from it understanding their points but also feeling heard and understood. It was a warm and fuzzy feeling. Then I encountered a person that I've never had anything more than a standard "hi, how are doing" type conversation and went one step deeper this time. Then I had another one of those with another coworker I seldom had spoken to. At the door I saw an injured coworker who is back at work on graduated return whom I had not seen in months. I was able to give him some encouragement and give him a chance to share his issues. This all transpired in less than 15 minutes. I left work feeling happy and relaxed. What a great end to my day.

Recently God has spoken to me regarding this type of situation. Rather than looking ahead to having happiness why not just enjoy where you're at. My FB home page picture "Happiness just ahead" always makes me smile. Really what I see that to mean for me is happiness is here and also lies ahead. The pic is from Australia and is just outside the town called Happiness FYI. It all kind of fits in with my adherence to guidelines set by those above me. The whole submission to authority theme God has laid on me is for my benefit. I don't have to own every situation. I can surrender it to the powers that be. I just have to do my part.

So I continue to learn. I've been working on speeding and other traffic law bending. As much as at times the speed limits are too slow it is not my place to say. Seldom am I in that big a hurry. I'm usually early for things. Why am I breaking the law to get there a minute earlier still? It is a lack of prudence on my part which I am changing. Besides I love my car, my seat is comfy, and I'm always listening to music on my awesome stereo which I really enjoy so it is no hardship to be in my car.

So slow down, relax and don't forget to be happy where you are. None of us know where we are going next as we can only plan for what we think will happen. If you're in a rose garden you might as well smell the roses before you leave. Make the best of every opportunity and look for goodness and you'll likely find it! Blessings to you right now, right where you are :)

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Quote: You should be thankful you have a job!

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Quote: You should be thankful you have a job!: You know, this morning as I was leaving my work(I work at night) I was conversing with one of my coworkers about the upcoming contract negot...

Quote: You should be thankful you have a job!

You know, this morning as I was leaving my work(I work at night) I was conversing with one of my coworkers about the upcoming contract negotiations and we were discussing one aspect of the current deal which to us seems totally unfair. One of the senior staff members overheard us talking and interpolated with the comment "you guys should be thankful you have a job" to which I replied "I am but at the same time the current system is totally unfair." I said "when I am doing the same work at the same level of competency my wages should at least be in the same ball park as those with more seniority." I've been there 3 years so it's not like I just walked in off the street.

At my work currently there is a large disparity between the haves and the have nots. Its complicated and I won't go through all the details but there are caps on how much you make depending on your seniority and being in the lower tier of a 3 tier system my current rate of pay is capped out other than COLA increases until I move into the next bracket. Even upon moving to the next bracket my rate won't increase for another 1000 hours. It is clear to me that this system was introduced to appease the high seniority staff and get the contract ratified because I'm speculating the high seniority people(top 30%) are more likely to cast ballots so if a contract appeases them it will pass.

3 years ago I had just started with the company when the contract was up. I was only working there at the time as a second job. I didn't think I would be there any length of time and really didn't have much concern about the contract one way or the other. Short sighted thinking on my part but what can you do. Here we are 3 years later and I'm glad I'm there. I enjoy working there. I like my job and happily trot off to work every night. That being said the contract is coming up for renewal and I am fully aware of what's wrong. Actually there are a lot of things in the contract I don't like. I know what needs to be done however it is a matter of getting the other middle and lower tier people to rise up to the challenge.

For me personally at my current rate of pay I'm fine. However I don't have dependents and I live a frugal lifestyle. It doesn't mean I don't spend money but I use prudence. I do my best to not be wasteful. Many of my coworkers have families. I don't know how they get by. I mean I know we here in Canada are wealthy compared to other places but in the land of plenty we live in the costs are high to keep afloat. While I am comfortable others just squeak by.

I'm looking for some justice in an unjust world. It is not a matter of thankfulness. It is a matter of principle. It should be an interesting time coming up. In these uncertain times my company is doing very well. We have gained new clients and the future looks bright as we head towards the end of the current deal which expires at the end of May 2012. I'm going to get more engaged in this issue starting right now. I'll keep you posted.

I just pray I can be graceful in my approach. Blessings!!

A Christ follower living in a secular world: This is your life, you might as well make the best...

A Christ follower living in a secular world: This is your life, you might as well make the best...: Do you just stumble through your days? When trouble comes calling, and it will, take a moment to remember it will pass. You will get throug...

This is your life, you might as well make the best of it!

Do you just stumble through your days? When trouble comes calling, and it will,  take a moment to remember it will pass. You will get through it and better times will lie ahead. When good times are upon you, enjoy them, don't look too far past them to what lies ahead. Enjoy the good times and press forward through the bad. Sounds easy enough but not so easy to actually do.

I tend to focus on the good now. At one time I would dwell on the negative. It's not very fun focusing on what is wrong but many live in that way. Instead, look at the blessings you have. If you are reading this you have access to a computer and the internet has much good to offer. So long as you're looking in the right places.

Plan for the day trouble comes knocking. Some things you can't predict or be fully prepared for but most can be. When in times of plenty store up for what lies ahead. I don't mean just in physical things but in spiritual things too. It is so easy to fall into a place of stagnation because when things are good we can kind of forget where it came from. Don't get too big for God to be in your life. The moment you start to stand on your own strength is when you will begin the inevitable descent. Pride comes before the fall.

Learn to be content in all situations. In times of high stress I would become very angry and lose sight of the good things. Now when in stressful times I tend to smile(on the inside at least) and know it will pass. I trust in something bigger than me and my finite position. Faith is huge for me. I don't take myself as seriously and am not as intense as I once was. I will always be a somewhat intense guy most likely but I think God made me that way for a reason. Letting go of people and situations is hard for me but I'm learning about submission and I see the wisdom in it. I don't have to carry other peoples luggage around with me. It is not my Cross to bear so to speak. You can't carry someone else on your back forever. Everyone has to find their own way. Caring for them is good and noble but to carrying them is not doing them or yourself any good. Take responsibility for what you are responsible for and leave the rest up to God.

So enjoy your life. Whenever possible live at peace with everyone. Don't take the good things for granted and don't make the tough times worse than they really are. Moderation is the key.

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Be strong and courageous but more importantly be y...

A Christ follower living in a secular world: Be strong and courageous but more importantly be y...: I spent a lot of time trying to seek out people that could help me grow as a person. People that had it all together and didn't need anythin...