Picking Up the Towel

I am part of a women's study at my church on Thursday evenings.  This past week, we were studying John 13.  This is the chapter Jesus celebrates the Passover with His disciples the last time before going to the cross.  The most impressionable part of the chapter is the washing if His disciples' feet.  Trish Dietz gave the message Thursday evening and focused on the concept of picking up the towel (as Christ girded himself and went to wash the disciples' feet) in whatever season we find ourselves in.

This really convicted me.  I feel like the area I have been most unwilling to pick up the towel in is work.  I work in a public school - specifically junior high.  Frankly, to be honest, I really do love waht I do.  I believe in making a difference, and I believe the public school needs Christians to step up to do the right thing.

The part that I struggle with is the "unjustness" (is that a word?) that goes on.  People are not treated equally.  A part in me screams out, that's not fair, that's not right!  Then I am reminded of the fact that life (here on earth) is NOT fair.  I'm also reminded that absolutely NOTHING Christ went through was fair.

I was really ashamed that I wavered between whether or not I was beginning to hate being at work.  I guess what it comes down to is that it is a very big struggle for a Christian to keep doing the right thing day after day when everything around her screams otherwise.

I came home after study upset about work, and at the same time, upset at the way I felt.  Yes, the things that happen at work aren't right, aren't fair.  I could really rationalize out my anger.  But then, I started thinking about how my reactions would be affecting others around me.  Our memory verse what that Jesus gave us a commandment to love one another, even as He has loved us, so we should love one another, AND others would know we were His followers, if we have love for one another.  Now, my negativity at work really isn't helping anyone.  Even when I simply say that what they are doing, or how I'm being treated isn't right.  I am reminded that everything that I seem to be going through right now is temperal.

SO, this weekend I am working on a new determination.  I want to be an example at work - and that's very hard.  But I am determined.  There are so many people at work that need God is in their life (students included).  If I give up, if I pitch in the towel, that says I have no devotion.

Christ, in His ultimate display of humility, washed EVERY SINGLE disciples' feet - Even Judas Iscariot.  How much more should I be showing humility to those around me?  How much MORE do I need to be serving - the difficult coworker, the disrespectful student?  Maybe their lives are so much worse off outside of work, and they need to be shown some humility at work.  Maybe that is why they are the way they are.

Concluding my long blog, :), I would just like you guys to pray for me.  I don't like coming home frustrated with work.  It's not fair to the kids or to my wonderful husband - who's trying to be patient with me.  It's been a rough month pretty much.  I am thankful I have a job currently, and I want my attitude to reflect that.  So, pray that I would be picking up the towel more, especially at work.