Is It A Straw Or A Rafter In Your Eye?

I faced a situation recently when someone became very picky over small things I was doing. Small things. You know, the little things someone does in an effort to keep things in order, to categorize things as important. When it comes to big things…it is often important that you strictly follow a policy or procedure. But when it comes to little things…there is usually room for people to use their common sense and work out an orderly approach to prioritising and keep their work organized.

I tend to ignore pickiness for all sorts of reasons. Someone might be having a bad day, they might be stressed out, they might be tired. Or, there could be other reasons, they might be inflexible and insistent that their way is the only way.

But when it becomes persistent pickiness. When you go above and beyond in all you do and someone seems to only see your faults, it can become dispiriting. Even more dispiriting when the person asks someone in authority to approach you to voice what you know is someone else’s fault-finding (because the person in authority never works with you). When approached by said person in authority, I explained why I do things a certain way and they seemed impressed at what I said. To an extent, the issue is resolved because the person in authority agreed with me. But that has sort of made things worse with the original fault-finder. Now they seem a little resentful that I was praised as insightful and innovative.

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What I find difficult is that the person who is being picky with me is doing things that are causing lots of upset and offense and complaints and extra challenges. I never give this person negative feedback, partly because I don’t feel it’s my place to do so, and partly because I .prefer to be encouraging. I just try to be friendly and warm with them. So it sure is strange to be on the receiving end of constant trickle of griping and grumbling.

It’s early days, but I know this could have the potential to chip away at my joy. It’s one of those straw / rafter situations that can be so frustrating to deal with. Sometimes keeping perspective, viewing things clear-sightedly, and not allowing hurt feelings to fester…it can be quite a challenge to resolve.

Very Small

There are people who try to make others feel small, by boasting about their own self importance. They list their accomplishments, accolades and wealth. They display their fortunes in the shape of designer clothes, luxury jewellery and flashy cars. They like to be worshipped for being the best of the best. They want to be followed and fawned over. They take exception to any criticism and like to blame anyone but themselves.

I don’t think about people like that.

I do find myself thinking about a person who is immensely powerful beyond all comprehension, yet chooses to stoop down to listen to my silent whispering. His colossal glory staggering beyond belief, yet He only uses it to remind me that I don’t need to be afraid and that I can trust Him. He tells me to look at the stars, not to be intimidated, but to be filled with confidence when He assures me to hold His hand and He will never let go. He gives freely despite many ignoring Him. He has been criticised and slandered and has graciously endured, allowing time for accusations to be settled.

I think about what it will mean to Him to see His creation finally at peace, thriving in security and joy. He has waited for so long for this legal challenge to be answered. Soon our Father will embrace all creation and we will live without anymore fear.

I love to think about Him.

I feel very small…but in a good way…my Father is the magnificent sovereign of all the universe. He said he would allow humans to rule themselves for a limited time to answer the question of who should care for mankind, animalkind and this planet. He is near, His grand purpose is unfolding. He is coming quickly. The best of human history is ahead.