Momma said there would be days like this.
Everywhere I went yesterday, I ran into people that were mad at me. People that I had disappointed. I hate days like that. Much as I don't like to let people down, it happens. They didn't want a bigger church, they don't like some new staff person, they don't like the sermons. Any number of reasons for folks to be discontented in any church.
I comfort my brain on days like that by telling myself that I did not mean to hurt them. It was not my intention to let them down. In fact, the opposite is true.....usually I was trying to do the right thing, and they just saw the world differently.
So, you keep going, you keep trying to do the right thing. The sun will come up tomorrow.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
9 comments:
I know people have a perfect right to their opinions, but it really burns me when people whose worlds are too small, pick on others.
Here's hoping today that you run into people all day long, who appreciate what you bring to life and to the ministry.
Maybe the people you encountered yesterday have hurts, disappointments about life, or a little depression when holidays come, and they deal with it by lashing out at others.
i'm so sorry you have days like this. its not you its them.
Who in the world are these people? Are they ever content any place? Your sermons are inspiring...case in point this past Sunday. The staff are hardworking, caring people who go above and beyond their "duties". Perhaps these folks need to try to find their "happiness" elsewhere. No place for such negativity at WCC. Betty
Dear Jeff: I wrote to you a few days ago to let you know of my appreciation for your preaching (Blog post: “The Blessing” on Monday December 10th). In light of the tone of today’s blog post, I want to add a few more thoughts . . . . if for no better reason than to balance out whatever gripes you may have encountered from others.
My wife and I started attending WCC just over a year ago. Before coming to WCC we attended another denomination for more than 20 years. And while we were faithful in our attendance, my church experience lacked passion and commitment for the cause of Christ.
What is interesting is that over the past year I have felt a very strong renewal of my Christian discipleship. Which in turn has motivated me to rethink the relationships with people close to me that are not as healthy as they should be . . . . and to do something about it.
My wife and I have talked about what is different about WCC and why this is occurring (because we have both felt it). We believe it is due to your tremendous skill in preaching. Your messages are so positive and encouraging. We often leave the 11:15 worship service with a list of things to work on for the week.
Jeff, you are a blessing to the members of this church. You’ve instilled in me the strong desire to be a better disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank you for that. On the days that ministry gets you down, don’t forget that you are transforming lives in ways you can hardly comprehend.
I have been thinking about this all day- it breaks my heart. It made me think about something my dad once told me. He was an executive for Hallmark Cards in charge of customer service. He told me of a study of how folks are X number of times more likely to share their negative feelings than their positive ones. From that I took the following: spread the positive. Many people will go out of their way to complain, but not to just say "good job." Don't just thank the clerk for his help, track down his manager and tell him. Don't just leave a tip, send a note to the chef. Don't for get to "be the light" in little ways everyday. Don't forget to let others know how much you appreciate them.
On behalf of countless others, Thank You Jeff for all that you do. Shine On!
Thanks for the messages I received this past Sunday. I took some notes and was so thankful to have them in my purse, when unchurched coworkers asked me if the recent shooting issues were addressed in church on Sunday! I encourged them to listen for themselves your positive and encouraging messages that allow me to sense His presence at WCC, as well as your blog. Thanks for your willingness to be a vessel to teach and share of our Lord Jesus Christ!
I will just add that I also work in a job open to public scrutiny, and some of your earlier posts on taking criticism really have helped when I am having one of "those" days.
I also would like to thank you particularly for this past Sunday's sermon. I have been and continue to be so heartsick over Friday's tragedy, but I left church more determined than ever to live my life in a way that spreads the light. I cannot tell you how much your words helped me.
Thank you for all you do!
It is always amazing to me that some people see the world thru negative glasses. Jeff, like you say so many times, know in your heart who you are. You are doing so much good for so many people. Way more people appreciate you and are benefiting from your goodness, than are those that choose to complain and find fault. You can't please everyone, but you do please more than you don't!
Thank you!!!!
I am catching up on your posts ... I always love it when I get behind and then just get to sit and read, read, read all you have to say ... these posts are RIGHT ON, Jeff. You have a very special way of speaking straight to our hearts. Please never doubt how many lives you do touch by your words, expressions, and messages to us. kb
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