Where Am I , and What Am I Doing Here?

We all know the current economic situation is pretty bad. I heard a revered priest say the other day that we should offer our day to God, and reflect Him in what we do. I just started doing this, very recently. I have a tendency to forget to do it and when I remember, I do it.

Now, my business in my straight job is about 25% of what it was, revenue wise. Being a sales and marketing person in this position, I am genetically predisposed to be an optimist; a reasonable one, not one with one's head totally in the sand. Except for my close associate, the cynicism, anger, frustration, and the lack of regard for those with whom you work is as high as I have ever seen it. I am trying to imagine myself -- and I need this job, make no mistake about it; my writing buys lunch every two weeks -- coming into this office and ripping my associate and making her cry. I am witnessing this very scenario right now in front of me with the VIPs who are visiting me. One of them is crying.

Now, let's consider this for a minute: people's feelings are important. I think barring some moral transgression of a large degree or something like this, we all need to be aware that words and actions can be hurtful. Do I always do this? No. Must I always do this? No. Should I show profound love at all times? Yes. Love changes more than it keeps one the same. Yes, I know this is business and feelings should be put aside, but I don't care who one is it can be painful. Now imagine, with this starting point, going and being enthusiastic with your customer. The fact that I give this day to God should help me be more aware of what I say and do; with my family as well.

This may seem random, but why do we suffer? It does relate to what I have written. Surely, the offer of suffering to Christ shows our love for Him. Christ did not keep the Paschal Mystery to himself: suffering, dying, ressurrection. He loves us and wants us to share in this mystery with Him. Does the daily suffering we endure -- and I don't equate mundane, personally insulting business practices -- with physical pain, but our suffering, to whatever degree, is not without purpose. This is critical to understand. Perspective may not come immediately following the issue and it seldom does. But it will become clear to us as time goes on. It usually happens this way, if we think about it: how many times have we said, of course, now I understand? What I wished for and maybe didn't get always seemed to work out for us. I can't think of a time when it didn't.

Sometimes at work, I feel desolate inside; too many years at the wheel, the ups and downs, today, everybody depressed and angry. I wouldn't be here, if God Himself did not want me here. Right? Maybe my emptiness that comes at inopportune times, should and can be filled with Him. Maybe this is what He wants. And, seriously, who am I to question a God who loves me totally? He wouldn't let anything happen to me that was not ultimately joyful.

Gee, the slightest pain and I am complaining and doubting the one person whom I have never had reason to doubt: God. He takes care of the birds in the air. How much more does He love me? Not even Solomon in all his splender was arrayed like one of these. Was God talking about us, His children? Flowers are beautiful and require love to maintain. Does this sound familiar? The flower in the crack of a sidewalk? The crack our tribulations; the flower, our virtue despite them. Including illness.

God bless,
KJPrice