My husband was traveling these past 2 weeks. The first week was for school, the second week for work. On his way home from the airport on Thursday he called to tell me he was on his way. He also mentioned ( with trepidation I think) that he had just gotten a call from his boss telling him he had to work on Sunday. Say WHAT????
The Holy Spirit must have flown into action. I remembered that he was driving with a coworker. Not wanting to sound like "that kind of wife" I quickly got off the phone. Once I did this I paced around my kitchen coming up with all kinds of things to say about his boss, his job, the unfairness of it all, yada, yada. I think I even had one of those talk-in-the-mirror- conversations. Have you ever done that?? That's when you know you're really mad.
However, I had time to step back and take a few deep breaths. By the time he got home I was over it. It didn't change my day or any plans we had made for Sunday. HE was the one who should have been upset. I didn't have to get up early for mass or drive 2 1/2 hours on Sunday to get to any destination like he did. Why was I complaining?
It got me to thinking.....I really could have blown up at him and lost my temper so easily for something that didn't really matter. Yes, I missed having him here on Sunday, but in the big picture it was fine for me. I'm not sure if any of you are like me, but what a great lesson learned. To digest things before you react. Your perspective can change in a few minutes. In this case, I spared poor Bill from my wrath thanks to that guy sitting next to him. Which brings me to another lesson learned....why are we so nice to our loved ones when people are watching? Why can't we be like that all the time? Maybe you are, but I definitely could use some work in that department.
OK, Kathleen...I definitely needed to hear this. I can sometimes waste so much energy getting upset, when I just need to take a step back. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteKathleen,
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how we put on a different face in front of others, isn't it? I've always thought that it's easier to be charitable with those who are not family. I know it SHOULDN'T be this way...but it is. Great post!
Another Great blog and your use of bold font - I felt it. Many (most) Moms would have planned a ME day for themselves on Saturday. Not you ! I have visions of Bill asking his Coworker to stay in the car long enough to make that call.
ReplyDeleteI liked this blog , it reminds me that , as I often pray for patience, more so at work, then at home, I find myself in an exact situations that will test my patience .. and I realize that in order for me to improve myself, I have to be put in " those " situations.. know what I mean?
ReplyDeleteI'm not a good writer , so I hope you get the idea !
And you're so right about when other people are watching .. imagine if someone was yelling and at that moment , their priest knocked at your door.. it would be as fast a a light switch that person would change their attitude !
PS.. John.. you commented before me ... no fair!! hahahaha!!
My poor husband.....sigh. thanks Babe'
ReplyDeleteSSSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOO can relate! Thanks Kathleen!
ReplyDelete