I don't usually write on my blog- I'm too lazy.
However, if you'll indulge me for a minute to tell you this story that happened to me today. I went to mail a package at the post office during lunch time (big mistake, I'm aware of this now. . .) The line was about five people when I arrived. Not bad, right? There were two postal women working and they were doing the best that they could. An 80 year old woman came up beside me in line (I know this because she literally complained about every ailment she has at the moment, daughter lives with her but is no help and mentioned nine times that she is "80 years young"). Anyway, the line was taking a while- as it does EVERY time you enter the post office...no suprise here- and I swear this woman began complaining so loud that it was getting others involved. It was the kind of overt complaining where you're hoping the workers here you and do something about it. Soon, the whole place was roaring and griping. I have never been so uncomfortable in my life and was wondering if the postal woman was going to knock the elderly lady out. I thought about throwing an elbow or two. The line wasn't even that long! Then I hear the postal worker start muttering under her breath "I didn't ask them to come in here. They need to find something else to do...get a job. If it's this bad everytime you come in here, why do you come back". It was c.r.a.z.y. It made me think how often people (myself included) don't pay attention to what comes out of their mouths. Seriously, if we all stepped back and watched ourselves for a day, would we be proud of our conversations? This convicted me, for one, because it's been a tough week for me in this department. I have a hard time being positive (my sister is saying something really mean right now, I just know it) and I committed this month to working on this. I've already failed more than once. I did encourage this worker when I got to the counter, though. How many positives does it take to outdo a negative again?!?

Sometimes things need to be put into perspective. There are people dying from life threatening illnesses and you're going to complain about a long line at the post office. At Christmas time. Anyway, there's my rant. I'm no J. Kiser, but it'll do. :)

One of my favorite songs usually gives me comfort in this area: May my steps be worship, may my thoughts be praise, may my words bring honor to your name.

Next time I plan on singing this out loud when I visit the post office. You Memphians can look for me on "taking back our neighborhoods".