A Moment of Insanity

Recently a colleague walked into my office and asked me for advice on what to do regarding their work predicament.  As I listened I came to the conclusion that one of the biggest issues they were having is they were not feeling appreciated or valued.

Based on my own interactions and readings this seems to be a pretty common feeling when review time rolls around - sometimes just in general.  As we continued to discuss where they were they begin to describe how they felt like they were going to explode inside, how they were second guessing themselves and generally felt like they were going crazy!

Once they got to a 'pausing' place, I told them a story that takes place in the summer heat of the south with an older gentlemen (Mr. Johnson) college student (Paul) and Mr. Johnson's dog (Mojo).  The cliff note version of the story is the following:

Paul stops by Mr. Johnson's (as he sits out on the porch) on a hot summer day and begins to chat as they sit on rocking chairs shooing the flies away.  Mr. Johnson asks Paul if he would like some fresh ice cold lemonade (sounds good now).  Paul accepts and Mr. Johnson gets up to go and get the lemonade.  During this entire time, Mojo had been lying in the yard under a small tree and decides to come and lye on the porch.

Due to the age of the house, the porch had a few nails that were protruding out of a few of the boards.  Mojo just happens to plop down on one of those protruding nails and begins to moan and groan softly.

Out comes Mr. Johnson with the lemonade and they begin to enjoy the refreshing cool drink as it soothes their parched mouths.  As they continue to talk, Mojo continues to moan and groan softly.  Paul finally can't take it anymore and asks Mr. Johnson what is wrong with Mojo?  Mr. Johnson plainly says in his humble soft southern accent - "awwe Paul, he just plopped down on a nail and it doesn't hurt bad enough for him to get up and do anything about it"

My colleague looked at me, smiled, said he understood and thanked me for my time.

So often we are faced with challenges in our life that cause us severe stress, panic, anxiety, etc...  I believe that when we hold these emotions so tightly for long periods of time, it causes/aids in the deterioration of our health and can cause momentary insanity.

Deuteronomy 31:8 - "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

These comforting words were words that Moses delivered to Joshua when it was announced that Joshua would be the successor of the aging Moses. These words are a promise and should be just as comforting to us as when they were uttered to Joshua.

Blessings,
-d