Team Player part 1
I said this today, "If she keeps pushing me I'm gonna light her up." And this was the response--given by someone who knows me very, very well-- "That doesn't sound like you. You're too nice for that." And its true. I like to think of myself as a team player. I like to think that I try hard, not just to go along to get along, but to make things as good as I can for all involved. So when I (and, remember, I always try to use myself as an example so no one else gets offended) get pushed to the edge... its important to be able remember who it is that's holding me up. Who it is that's keeping me from going over the edge. And passages like this help: "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world" (Philippians 2:14-15). That's me. For the most part. "Lord, I never complain, I never ask why, so please don't let my dreams run dry..." to quote Jason Aldean. Because I don't think complaining really helps things. I think it makes things worse, because if you're complaining about something that means you're dwelling on it. What you feed is what will grow, right? What you magnify is what will manifest in your life. So, like I said, when I start to get caught up in all this--and it takes a LOT for me to get caught up in things, because I'm basically all or nothing. I either care about something... or I don't. But at the same time, I can only be pushed so far. Then something's gotta give. I usually say it like this, "I'm not trying to make any waves... until I'm reay to tip the whole boat over." I'm a big believer in turning the other cheek. In not taking things personally, even if they are. In being a team player. Because I truly believe that we're all in this together. And I think shining a light is better than trying to fight the darkness. When God arises, His enemies are scattered. When the light shines, the darkness flees. Its about taking the high road. What did Mark Twain say? "Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience." So I don't spend a lot of time arguing. With stupid people or otherwise. I generally just let people be who they are. I let them do what they're going to do. And I love them anyway. I try to help... everybody. Whenever and however I can. But I'm telling you, you can't just let people walk all over you. You have to know your worth. And never settle for less. Settling is one of the worst things we can do. Because there is so much that is available to us. Kingdom economy. God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. He has blessed us with all Spiritual blessings. We have what we need. We simply need to know what we have. Know who we are. Know what we're worth. My test, as always, is to give something everything you've got. And at that point its either enough... or its not. And either way, you've done what you can do. You can't do more than you can do. How could you? And you'll wear out, and burn out, if you try. So be a team player. But take care of yourself. Give what you've got. But (as we'll probably see tomorrow) make sure you're filling yourself up so you don't feel like you're running on empty!