Last week, I forgot the first rule of our office. “We are Here to Serve.” I had been sick (which is no excuse) and my backlog of work was screaming (which I should have expected) and the patient was demanding. (which happens sometimes)
I responded badly, though. I was really without excuse. I was the mature adult in the room. The one who was supposed to have the Fruits of the Holy Spirit tumbling out of my basket as a cornucopia of kindness. Instead of soothing the patient’s troubled soul, though, I rather snarled at him.
Wendell is a much better Christian than I am. He reminded me we don’t refuse to treat people just because they are acting like jerks. I apologized. And was forgiven. And then Wendell fixed the poor fellow all up.
Just the day before, our son had written about an exchange with his four year old daughter. Following some unaceptable behavior on her part, he had said, “Hey, it’s not all about you.”
I can only imagine the serious look in her eyes when she replied, “Well, who is it all about then?”
I plan to keep that in mind this week.
I love this picture. And this reminds me of Drew of course. He told me to fix him lunch once – giving specific details like “You make the sandwich and then put it on this plate.” I said, “What am I, your servant?” And he said, “No, but I wish somebody was.” !! Kids are awesome. And abrasive people really get on my nerves.
Ah, Drew. I feel the same way sometimes!
I hope the abrasive patient wasn’t my hubby! 🙂 He came in for the first time last week because he FINALLY was in enough pain with his back to be motivated to do something.
Absolutely not, Carol! I can’t imagine your husband being rude.
Just today I was talking to Missy, Nic’s girlfriend, about peoples initial reaction to things that don’t go our way usually sounding something like “BUT WHAT ABOUT MMMEEEEEE?!?!?” Your post is MOST timely! Thanks.
I laughed so hard when I read your granddaughter’s response because it was so completely honest and is exactly what we ALL feel at times! What a great post and perspective! Thanks!
This is great! Some of the teens I teach feel the same way. I love her honesty.