It ain't easy being me.

My job is not an easy one. It may seem easy but it is very difficult and unsatisfying. Every week I make up work schedules and every day the schedules don’t get followed. When I ask people why they aren’t following the schedule they make excuses and then turn the situation around and say things like “You didn’t ask us for our input." So I take that to heart and ask them what they want next week’s schedule to look like. I get no response from anyone. Ok I did get one response and it was; “I aint got time for this (insert bad word here).”

Every day at work, I try to do what is right and proper. I too make mistakes though no matter how hard I try. I actually like it when people point out my mistakes as long as they do it in a kind manner. Telling me that I filled out a form wrong is acceptable. Telling me that my work stinks isn’t. I like constructive criticism, not degrading comments. Give me something I can work with. Throw me a bone I can work with. (I love that saying)

It is frustrating and I don’t know what to do. Obviously I can’t do anything about them but maybe I can do something about me. Well today in my reading, I came across this passage;

Titus 2

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

So it sounds like what I need to do is get my own act together so that when I give them constructive criticism they will have nothing to come back with. Well except maybe “So you think you are better than the rest of us don’t you." To which I will reply; “ No I am not perfect but I am working on being a better person. "

The truth is , I pray daily for guidance in my life. So I was surprised to see a new video at the gym the other day asking for the same thing. I knew nothing about this group so it was really interesting to hear the name "Carolina Liar." So being curious like I am, I looked up the name and guess what? The lead singer is from Charleston SC. Hey, he is from here and that is where the group’s name came from. I don’t know much else about the group or their other songs but I do like this one. It’s called “Show me what I’m looking for.” Don’t be fooled by the long hair and unshaven look. (remember what the Bible says about judging others)

Give it a listen. You might enjoy the message and the song.

Have a great day,
Greg

Comments

Monogram Queen said…
It ain't easy being cheesey either - or so i've heard!


Seriously why do people think they can talk to other's like that?
You are a good guy and you definitely have the right attitude. Just keep on being you- we like you JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.
People don't relaize that they will receive a whole lot more respect if they say, "oopppps my bad", then if they come off with some kind of flip remark or defense tactic.

Take it from me, it's very hard to ask someone to forgive you but when they say yes...WOW!
ok my bad...I can't type should be "realize"
Debbie said…
I don't think it is you Greg. I think so many people now cannot see past their own little bubble. Drives me nuts.
Carol Murdock said…
I don't know why people can't just be nice. It is so much better to say nothing at all than to be rude!
I feel I just had a rude comment on my blog, I'm wondering why he even bothered to read it much less type his opinion! Have a great day Greg and keep trying!
Carol
I feel it is like walking on a tight rope when giving people criticism. It is hard to know how they will take it ya know. What we think is constructive may seem rude or vice versa. I hate confrontation can ya tell;)

I agree with Debbie about people not being able to see past their own bubble. I think most people in general get a little defensive even with constructive criticism:{
I'm so sorry you're in that kind of an atmosphere every day. You don't deserve that. But I'm sure God has you there to make a huge impact on people. You may not see that you are influencing them, but you are. If nothing else, you are planting seeds. They see that you are different, Greg, and I'm sure it tweaks their spirits, in a good way. God is using you.
Skoots1moM said…
i used to be in a similar situation in a 24x7 center...nothing gets peoples' blood pressure up better than having to "divide" the schedule...you gotta get the job done and no one wants to be the one to get the "bad" shifts...
brother, i feel for you. will be praying your listening and reading god's word will guide you and then be an example to them of truth and right...
good post!!
Terri Tiffany said…
One can never please everyone! SOunds like you try to be nice and pleaseing to work with. After that, there is nothing you can do about someone else's attitude.
First, I really like the song....I have not heard that song before, and the fella kinda looks like Kid Rock!

Trust me, I am sure it is not you. It seems these days people are always looking for some reason to grumble, and when you think you have hit your lowest and can not take it anymore, just rest in the fact that God has you there for a reason!

Stay strong, BFF! I don't get mad at you!!!! That's what counts in the end???? Right???? I can't Hear You?!?!

:)
Scarlet said…
Beautiful lyrics and I like the singer's voice and funky guitar playing in the streets...not to mention the Bible vs. from Titus.

Great post!
Heaven said…
sounds like you got kicked in the butt with Titus 2, huh? Try being a woman and living up to Proverbs 31.

In all seriousness, there is truth to those scriptures, and even though it hurts sometimes, we have to suck it up and act like Jesus even when others do not. That's what separates us from the world, and there are sometimes we wish people weren't watching us because we say we are Christians, but they are, all too often. Yes, none of us are perfect, but they can witness the grace of God in our lives as we become the men and women God has called all of us to be.

Thanks for being real! Heaven
Wanda said…
One of the reasons I love being retired, if just the type of things you shared about work~~ I don't miss that.

Love the passage of Titus and the song is really cool. I like the looks of the singer... he reminds me of "BO" from American Idol a few seasons ago. Love the ocean scenes with his playing the guitar.

How many years before you can retire???

Love and Hugs
Wanda
ChrisJ said…
All you can do is keep being true to yourself and to the Lord. No-one can do more than that -- and the Lord knows!
Carmen said…
Another aspect of "in the world but not of it." You're doing just fine! We can only be responsible for our own actions...as long as they reflect Jesus...it's all good! =)
Lori said…
What a great post Greg!
Gutsy Living said…
I'd love to know what your job is. Maybe I should have seen it somewhere but I haven't. My husband is a work comp attorney and gets sick and tired of his job. I think it's sad how many people work, but really don't enjoy their jobs. So are those guys that work for you educated? University degrees? The way you describe them, they sound like high school kids lacking ambition in life, and need to feel important through their whining. I might be wrong, but that was my initial impression. No wonder you're at the fork, and need to know which direction to take.
That band was recently on 90210. (Yes, I'm 36 years old and watch 90210.) If I'm going to write for teens I better act like one.

Good song! : )
Kelly said…
It's definitely hard to walk the walk and talk the talk sometimes. The very people who need the witness are the ones who irritate us enough to make us be poor witnesses! (or at least that's the way it is to me).

Hope you're having a great weekend. Nearly 80 degrees here today, after 10" of snow on Monday.
My ADHD Me said…
Your response to the guy that says "So you think you are better than the rest of us?"....just say, "Of course I don't think I am better than the rest of you...just YOU!" ok, ok, JK

Anyway, I like the verse. great for teenage boys! I plan to use it.

Don't get discouraged at work. I can relate though. i've always had a strong work ethic and it is very annoying and frustrating when others don't follow through and do their part. What's even MORE frustrating is that my own 17 year old son must be forced to go to work. I started babysitting at 13 and at 15 got a work permit and worked as many hours as the law permitted a minor to work. I wanted to! Hopefully he'll catch on.
Edie said…
I have worked in a lot of very bad atmospheres and have realized that I just have to try (with all my might) to remember that until people come to know Christ, they just don't know how bad they really sound or how wrong they really are. Most of the time, there are exceptions.

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