Sometimes I get really frustrated about things.  I imagine we all do.  I don't deal too well with frustration, it makes me tired out.  Today I began the day with the realization that something was not getting done properly at the church.  It ended up getting on the right track after lots of long phone conversations, all which made me realize that this thing wasn't getting done because it "was somebody else's job."  That bugs the snot out of me!  It frustrates me when things are done half as good as they could be just because someone is lazy or doesn't think it's that important.  

I often get called IDEALISTIC - because I have quite high expectations for myself (and for everybody else too).  I don't think it's wrong to expect people to live up to their job title (or pay!).  Is it really idealistic to expect other people to work hard?  Ugh.  Ok, I'll get off that soapbox and move on.

I DID meet Jesus today - in this frustration - because I know that what the book of James says is true!

James 1:2-8 says, "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open."

Jesus might just disguise himself as things like frustration sometimes in order that we look at the big picture and recognize our blessings.  Sometimes during trials we can't see anything but ourselves - yet when we get through the tough parts we are able to look back and see how God was working - perseverance produces faith.  I don't have some whacked-out theology that God is the cause of all suffering or anything like that.  Actually I believe the opposite - God is so faithful to us that He's with us all the time - good times and bad!  God's always working for good - sometimes we humans just don't get it!

I'm ready for a new day!  Hope you are too!