The Stuff that Matters

The other day I was chatting with two coworkers about the workplace politics and allowing stuff to get the best of you. It’s so easy to get bogged down in all of the things that are wrong in a workplace, really any place. I told them that I’ve seen quite a few people come and go in our department. The ones who let it get the best of them don’t last.

I spoke from experience. I was the one who was letting it get the best of me. I was letting bitterness set in. I was frustrated everyday. I expected changes and logical steps that most likely were never going to happen. Meanwhile, I was letting those frustrations make me cranky. I was complaining constantly, and things remained the same.

After I miscarried, there was a switch that clicked inside of me. Why are you allowing things that don’t matter to control your happiness? When my hip refused to heal after childbirth, and I struggled with mobility. I had repeated difficulties with my disability process. When I quit worrying and stressing, God took over. When my nephew was diagnosed with cancer, a transformation began inside me.

Most of the things I allow to plague me are not life and death. Sadly, most aren’t even important in the grand scheme of things. I’ve been making a conscious effort to enjoy everyday. Especially the time I spend with my family. I’ve been taking time to smell the roses. I’ve still got a long way to go, but I’m getting there. Just the other day my friend said that she’s noticed a calm about me lately. It made me smile. It means the changes is noticeable, and I thank God for it.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Even the stuff that seems insurmountable. If it is truly beyond our control, we have to accept that. God knows the outcome. He sees the whole picture while we see only what’s in front of us. Greater still, He controls all. He has the ability to alter situations in unimaginable ways in the blink of an eye. I’m so glad He is who holds my future. Rest in that today.