Lent Day #34

At times, all jobs are frazzling. Some more than others but, even if you love your job and what you do, there are those moments that can be exasperating. Just my opinion, but I am one of the only ones in the family who does not have a 9-5 job with holidays off. Pretty much on call 24-7. Sometimes stress-filled, often times insane, but I have been pretty patient and calm this Lenten Season.

Until now! We have a cast of characters who call the station on a daily basis and complain or ask the oddest, most off-the-wall questions. After hanging up scratching my head, I ask myself “why would ANYONE ever call a television station to ask that idiotic question?” But of course I can not and would never say that to the misguided viewer who has just wasted a few minutes of my life and interrupted me at my place of employment for a ridiculous request.

Well, today, we had our little “misguided man” who calls up ranting and raving about the story of the day. However, he has been known to call up to 50 to 60 or more times in the course of a shift. He screams, he swears, and he demeans you, but we are supposed to listen, smile and be courteous. However, we know it is him by his caller ID # of 216.441.XXXX.

After the 45th time he called today, interrupting me and my many duties, just to scream at me about how the city mishandled the snow or because we are still in the War with Iraq, or because of high gas prices, it started getting on my nerves a bit. I can not understand how anyone in their right mind could call a business over and over to swear at a hard working person who had nothing to do with causing his problem...or to waste someone’s very valuable time. I am sure he is not in his right mind. But that still does not give him the right to be rude and disruptive. It’s a wonder we are still sane…not totally jaded hating all of humanity….and, for the most part, kind individuals.

It’s times like these that I really really need your guidance, your strength, your calming effect, your patience, and the presence of mind to let things go. These people calling in are challenging my spirit. I could say worse, but then I would be one of them! However, it still rings true--what gives THEM the right to bother me at work. Bother me when I am trying to make an honest living to pay the bills and tend to my obligations. I know they are your children, God...

In times like these, I need to offer it up to you and TRUST in You.

Then, poof, I read the reflection for today which said basically, those without sin cast the first stone. It is very difficult, but I know I have to treat EVERYONE with patience, kindness, and gentleness, no matter what they have done to me, how they have harmed me, or persecuted me.

It's hard. This is a task I can not do alone. I desperately need your help today, God.