I consider myself a pretty compassionate, understanding person, especially with strangers and acquaintances. I always give them the benefit of the doubt and don't take anything personally, so it takes a lot for me to get irritated with others. But once I am, my Christlike attitude quickly departs.
Recently I was very irked with a couple in my ward for not fulfilling their calling as Nursery teachers. We have six Nurseries in the ward, each with ten children. It is very chaotic on Sundays, especially when we need to find substitutes. All we ask of the teachers is to call subs or call us to give us warning of their absence. This couple had only done so once on the night before church. The rest of the time they had been gone.
I was very frustrated. I thought they were being immature. I heard they did not like their calling and that was why they were not showing up. I was mad that they accepted a calling they were not willing to do instead of just saying no and only the bishopric knowing about it. I wanted to call them and tell them to grow up, take responsibility, and ask to be released so we could call new teachers who would be there for the kids.
I was then informed that they were asked to be released. New teachers were called and put in their class. Then today I got a text from the sister apologizing and asking to talk (she texted first in case the baby was sleeping--how considerate!). I called her, and the following conversation put me to shame. She told me she felt terrible for missing so many Sundays. It was an accumulation of many stressful things: their car in the shop, being out of town, and most importantly, a complicated pregnancy that may result in a miscarriage. She was very emotional and sounded sincere.
I told her not to feel guilty and that I was glad she called. I apologized for not calling sooner to see what was up (though I'm glad I didn't, because I would have made myself into a jerk!). She said they had not asked to be released, so I said I would take care of it.
I am so glad I didn't follow through on my strong urge to give them a piece of my mind. I had jumped to conclusions and listened to incorrect information instead of going straight to the source. This experience has reminded me of Matthew 7:1-5. It also has reminded me to always be Christlike--patient, kind, and forgiving--especially since I am not omniscient like God.
Sharing Time: Have you ever had a humbling experience like mine?
Recently I was very irked with a couple in my ward for not fulfilling their calling as Nursery teachers. We have six Nurseries in the ward, each with ten children. It is very chaotic on Sundays, especially when we need to find substitutes. All we ask of the teachers is to call subs or call us to give us warning of their absence. This couple had only done so once on the night before church. The rest of the time they had been gone.
I was very frustrated. I thought they were being immature. I heard they did not like their calling and that was why they were not showing up. I was mad that they accepted a calling they were not willing to do instead of just saying no and only the bishopric knowing about it. I wanted to call them and tell them to grow up, take responsibility, and ask to be released so we could call new teachers who would be there for the kids.
I was then informed that they were asked to be released. New teachers were called and put in their class. Then today I got a text from the sister apologizing and asking to talk (she texted first in case the baby was sleeping--how considerate!). I called her, and the following conversation put me to shame. She told me she felt terrible for missing so many Sundays. It was an accumulation of many stressful things: their car in the shop, being out of town, and most importantly, a complicated pregnancy that may result in a miscarriage. She was very emotional and sounded sincere.
I told her not to feel guilty and that I was glad she called. I apologized for not calling sooner to see what was up (though I'm glad I didn't, because I would have made myself into a jerk!). She said they had not asked to be released, so I said I would take care of it.
I am so glad I didn't follow through on my strong urge to give them a piece of my mind. I had jumped to conclusions and listened to incorrect information instead of going straight to the source. This experience has reminded me of Matthew 7:1-5. It also has reminded me to always be Christlike--patient, kind, and forgiving--especially since I am not omniscient like God.
Sharing Time: Have you ever had a humbling experience like mine?
Comments
DAD
thanks for keeping this blog- I wouldn't miss it for the world.