“YOU CALL THIS A GIFT?”
I’m wise enough and too blessed to feel sorry for myself at this point in my life, but it was one of those monster weeks that seemed to have my head on a swivel as the fist of life pummeled me at will. One of the punches was our middle daughter who had just graduated from college took a position out of town. We expected her to stay around here…
That same week our youngest daughter was flexing her then fourteen-year-old mental muscle, probably the stress of her big sister leaving, but it wore on us, especially my wife. The dreaded week also came with bad news from my attorney on a business related matter, but it was Friday and I was looking forward to the weekend to regather my battered brain.
That’s when our youngest brought in the mail which I pay little attention to… until my wife handed me a personal letter – addressed by me… to me… Before I opened it up I knew what was hidden behind the folded paper and glue.
“Could-uh done without that today,” I said.
“What is it?” my wife asked.
“Another rejection letter,” my voice admitted with little surprise or emotion. I opened the letter and read it, “I’ll add this to my stack,” I mumbled to myself.
I headed for my den to drop the letter on my desk as I thought about the week. None of the events were so life altering as to warrant an undue amount of grim. I thought back to the origin of my statement to my wife, “Could-uh done without that today,” and smiled. My smile started to evolve into a chuckle, then launched into a full-blown laugh.
I thought about the line from that silly movie, “Tommy Boy.” The late Chris Farley played Tommy whose dad had just passed away and the bank was selling his dad’s auto parts manufacturing empire to pay off the bank-note. The only way Tommy Boy could save the family business was to sell a large number of parts but had just failed at that, temporarily.
As the over weight Tommy Boy plopped down in a sturdy chair at the end of the last failed day in frustration, the chair collapsed… then the now famous, at least to me, comment, “Could-uh done without that today!” I came back into the kitchen laughing and shared with my wife my thoughts. She looked at me, still a bit taken back by the way my mind ticks.
I’ve lived long enough to know that most problems aren’t worth the energy we spend on them. The only issues that had any true lasting significance were the ones that affected and impacted my family. The other stuff? Pebbles in the road of life… just pebbles in the road of life, my friends.
Jesus Christ laid it out plainly, “Let tomorrow worry about tomorrow.” Time and energy spent in worry is fear. We fear the things that God either causes or allows. When we fear or revere the things of this world more than God himself, there is no peace. Peace comes from God in the form of wisdom that He fills His chosen with.
There are many things in the course of my days I think I could do without, but it is those things that try to test us that God uses for our benefit… and His glory. Besides, perseverance is a gift… and who am I to say “no” to a gift from my Father?
Rick Dawson
Tuesday, July 16, 2013 @ 10:12 pm
Brother, first – again, rejection sucks. Having said that, you realize, of course, that you’re giving me a reminder of why people with fragile egos do better than to embark on a book writing life? I love your laughter over this. I’ve never seen the movie, so I’ll have to take your word – but your word is good with me. π
Floyd
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 @ 8:05 am
While rejection doesn’t usually bring joy, this one put things into perspective for me not just about writing, but about life. In the end it was a gift from God and a reminder of the priorities in life. The truth is I’ve heard “no” so often in my life it has little effect… I also believe it’s become a source of strength if you can imagine that! Thanks, Rick. Just remember, “It’s like water off a duck’s back…”
bill (cycleguy)
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 @ 5:43 am
Thanks for the chuckle and reminder this morning Floyd. I have not seen the whole movie, just parts of it. I do know it was supposed to take place in Sandusky, Ohio, which is where I lived from 2000-2005 and my wife grew up.
Floyd
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 @ 8:07 am
The best reminders are the ones we get to laugh along with. A change of perspective is a gift from God. Thanks, Bill.
Jay Cookingham
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 @ 7:47 am
When I finally got published, I wanted to write back to all the people who sent me rejection letters and say…”take that, you vile na-sayer!”
Keep plugging away brother… it’ll come!
Floyd
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 @ 8:10 am
Thanks, Jay. Different bait for different fish… I don’t blame the ones who can’t represent my work. In truth I want it to be a good fit and a win/win for all involved. And for me, I’ve learned the gratification isn’t crossing the finish line, it’s running the race. I’ve also learned that when we think we’ve crossed a finish line the real struggle and work still lies ahead. I appreciate the encouragement, brother!
Betty Draper
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 @ 8:10 am
This is the day the Lord has made comes to my mind as I read your post. We always think we can do without ” those days” when all seems wrong in our life. Yet it is those days that teach us how to really live for Him and like Him. NOTHING comes to a child of God without coming through His love which is perfect. The very fact you were able to laugh releases you from the bondage of worry and fear. I am with Jay, keep plugging away brother.
Floyd
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 @ 8:21 am
Well said, Betty. “Nothing comes to a child of God without coming through His love which is perfect.” That is a statement of wisdom and love from Above, Betty. It truly is in God’s hands, I’ll do my part and leave the rest up to Him… I’ve learned to do other wise is chasing the wind. Thanks, Betty.
Dolly@Soulstops
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 @ 12:06 pm
Floyd,
I enjoyed reading how your perspective changed…and this is so true what you wrote: “When we fear or revere the things of this world more than God himself, there is no peace. ”
I need to be reminded often and I ask God to help me to focus on His Presence.
Blessings to you.
Floyd
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 @ 12:10 pm
You’re not alone, Dolly. I need to be reminded myself constantly, I feel like that’s what God did in a loving way that day. Thanks, Dolly, It’s an honor to have you, sister.
tcavey
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 @ 1:38 pm
Yeah, I’ve recently had a few weeks like that one. Not the “best” gifts I’ve ever received from God, but gifts none the less. It’s all in the perception of how we view challenges.
Reminds me of this quote from Dan Blacks blog, “βEvery problem has a gift for you in its hands.β ~Richard Bach
Floyd
Wednesday, July 17, 2013 @ 1:45 pm
I’m with you, TC. It is all about perspective. In the long run it is a gift and I know from experience some things gained to easily are quickly are rarely savored and pull the very best from us. Next one you get think about that movie. It’s hilarious and helps put things in a proper perspective. Thanks, TC. We’re in this thing together…
David
Thursday, July 18, 2013 @ 8:07 am
I haven’t a week quite like yours in a while and if I don’t have one for the next few years I’m sure I won’t miss it. My nemesis this year though has been stuff wearing out and/or breaking down. The things that need a service tech I can manage for a bit. But the ones that fall under self-service are the ones that are kicking me in the shins! This is where me and procrastination put on the boxing gloves, right now procrastination is up on points. I just read TC’s comment, if problems (repairs) have gifts I guess I have several coming … but guess who’s payin!
You mentioned something about perseverance? A gift? Yeah, okay…but still…ugh…
David
Thursday, July 18, 2013 @ 8:13 am
Sorry, the first line should read “I haven’t HAD a week … “. The perfectionist in me was screaming “FIX IT” – I hope he doesn’t find any more typos … π
Floyd
Thursday, July 18, 2013 @ 7:08 pm
Are you kiddin’? I have to have all my stuff edited!
Floyd
Thursday, July 18, 2013 @ 7:07 pm
I hear you, David. It’s tough to see it as a gift when we’re right in the middle of it, but it’s all about perspective, my friend! Remember, you’re in good and plenty of company! Thanks for sharing that, glad you can make light of it! Funny stuff…
Hazel Moon
Friday, July 19, 2013 @ 10:43 pm
How did I miss this post? Picked it up on Ricks’s list. What a week you had, but your response was great – to be able to laugh.
Floyd
Saturday, July 20, 2013 @ 6:42 am
Thanks, Hazel. To be able to have a changed perspective by exercising the gift of free will is truly amazing.
Dan Black
Saturday, July 20, 2013 @ 1:34 pm
Great and needed reminder, Floyd! I try and daily be intentional about my time and energy, knowing I can do so much in any given day. Though, at times I struggle about overly worrying about things I should or need to do in the future.
Floyd
Saturday, July 20, 2013 @ 2:28 pm
I’m with you, Dan. I think we all struggle with worrying about things when we shouldn’t, but it is a process and none of us arrive on this side of the perfect dimension. You’re in good company, brother! Thanks, Dan.
Dave Arnold
Monday, July 22, 2013 @ 12:53 pm
Great post, Floyd! So true: most problems are pebbles in the road of life. Thanks for the much-needed reflection.
Floyd
Friday, July 26, 2013 @ 12:50 pm
My pleasure, Dave. It’s good to have you here. Got lost in space for a little while. Sorry about that and thanks!
Loren Pinilis
Monday, July 22, 2013 @ 6:21 pm
He’ll always give us the strength to deal with today’s problems – we just need to trust him to give us the strength to deal with tomorrow’s problems when they come. Life is tough, but God is with us.
Floyd
Monday, July 22, 2013 @ 6:36 pm
It is tough, no doubt. When we really begin to trust like Paul did after being saved so often, we too should remember all that God delivers us from to comfort the future tough times… Easier said than done, but I’m with you. Thanks, Loren.