Wow, pride is such an ugly thing.
Since the conference I attended last weekend I haven’t wanted to watch TV. I haven’t been interested in the things of this world. I’ve been hungry for God’s Word and only been focused on seeking the Lord.
Well, before you think I’m super “holy” – ha, it took all of a few seconds for me to get knocked off track.
May I use “travel weariness” as an excuse? No, I guess not.
After being out of town this weekend, I rushed to the mall to purchase my husband a dark suit. I was walking through the suit section and almost bumped into an older gentleman, “Oh, I’m sorry” I said. He immediately looked at my daughter and said, “Hi Honey. Are you here with your Mommy or Grandma?” My innocent little one and I both said, “Mommy!” Ok — I really felt offense and hurt rise up within me, but I intentionally kept saying, “God bless him. God bless him.” Maybe I passed that test (ahem).
Then an hour or so passed and my “Boaz” made plans with his cousin Renee and her husband to meet us at a local restaurant. We have only visited this place once because it isn’t your regular “meat and potatoes” type of hot-spot like my man usually likes.
We arrived and realized there was a long wait (welcome to our home town) of about 50 minutes. What choice did we really have? So … we began chit-chatting — hoping our 5 year old wouldn’t get too rambunctious.
After waiting for what seemed like forever, my husband went back to the host to see when our table would be ready. We were also concerned because there was a big rain storm headed in our direction (according to the radar) and we were going to have to sit outside. (The host said if we wanted an inside table it would be another 45 minutes.) My husband asked the host, “What will happen if it starts to rain?” “Uh, you’ll get wet” the host said smugly. Ok, I admit it. HE WAS RUDE and WE WERE OFFENDED. We would have left right then if there had been another restaurant with a shorter line.
He could have easily said something more empathetic, friendly, and professional.
Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
Sigh. I blew the test. Lord forgive me.
What is behind offense? PRIDE!
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
There you go.
I’m sorry I allowed pride in my heart.
I felt remorse.
Tomorrow is a new day …
Lamentations 3:22-23
Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
Have a great evening everyone.
Thank you for this post about offenses. The LORD is so amazing in how he works!I've been feeling very offended lately and there couldn't have been a more appropriate time for me to read your post. Thanks and God Bless. Michelle
such a great post Beth.
I am thankful every day for those precious new mercies of my Lord's upon me!
Hi friend! Thank you for posting this. It's so easy to get offended even at the littlest of things. And you're right..it's pride that is behind it all.
HUGS!
I understand what you were saying in your post, and I'm glad you don't want to walk in offense…but I just have to say, "You do NOT look like a grandma!" That's just crazy talk! Furthermore, MY husband wouldn't wait in line to have to sit outside, rain or shine. He never waits longer than 20 minutes at any restaurant. It makes our dining out options very limited.
Hi Beth,
Good post, dear!!
Pride is the opposite of meekness. A humble heart is a wealthy one towards the eyes of God.
Some folks could be rude at times. I have to bite my lips sometimes, when people offend me or hurt me in one way or the other. I feel lost in today's world. I hardly watch TV nowadays. Today's programs are not like in the old days. The Lord be with you, Beth, and with all your beloved ones.
Thank you for sharing your love with the world, Beth!!
In God's Garden,
Poet Starry.
I find that I allow the smallest things to offend me at times. I am so thankful that His mercies are new every morning and His compassion towards me fails not!
I just failed miserably in my marriage. But, He gives more grace. In the meantime, how do I heal? How do I make amends? Help me, Lord Jesus!
I get where you are coming from, I struggle daily with not getting impatient and watching what comes out of my mouth, I have a bit of an anger problem. I admit with the help of God I am growing in this area in my life. That said there are times when people need to be "called out" for their behavior, and I absolutely will tell someone, "I don't like the way you just spoke to me", especially when something like this happens in a store or restaurant, after all if it wasn't for us being there they would not be in business. If I go to a restaurant and things start out bad I will usually just leave, I will not sit down to a meal and be treated bad. I recently had a server start out with a bad attitude, "I told her in a very nice way "looks like you're having a bad night, and I completely understand that, but perhaps someone else should wait on us , you seem overwhelmed, …she immediately apologized, and was nice the rest of the night and gave us great service, we left a huge tip. …..Thanks for this post Beth, I always admire your honesty, and the way you live and walk in obedience to God 🙂
Hi Beth! On the Grandma thing- I think in this day people just don't know anymore. I had a patient the other day who was 1 year older than me and ALREADY a Grandma! I asked her how could that be? She explained. "If you get pregnant at 16, well then your child is now 20, and if she got pregnant at 18, then I am a Grandma." It sounded crazy to me but I guess with all the teen pregnancies out there it's very possible and real!
As for that person at the restuarant- that was just rude! No good restaurant would want their patrons outside getting rained on!