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PROGRAM D-8196
Have you ever failed so badly that you felt you could never recover? We’re going to follow our friend, Fran, as she faces her failures. I began this on-going story some years ago with the hope that it would help us to become more aware of the presence of Jesus in our daily lives.
We pick up our story on a Monday morning, as Fran wakes to face another work week. Quite frankly, Fran is totally unmotivated on this particular day. She does not want to get up, so she waits until the last minute, then rushes herself and the kids with some heated words. It’s not a good start to her week.
She had intended to spend some quiet time with Jesus this morning, but she missed it today. Well, that happens sometimes, and Jesus will just have to understand, Fran thinks to herself. She tries to ignore that quiet inner voice of God’s Spirit, but Jesus won’t let her do that.
As she drives to work, she remembers the argument she had last night with her mother. There were some pretty strong words between them, and Fran knows she needs to talk to the Lord about it. But it’s the last thing she wants to think about. She tries to rationalize her behavior: “Well, we just don’t see eye-to-eye on everything. And sometimes, Mom tries to tell me what to do,” she tells Jesus. “I’m a grown woman and I don’t like to be told what to do,” but even as she says the words, she hears the rebellion in her voice. Remembering the conversation, Fran knows she did not treat her mother with the respect she deserves.
She squirms a little as she weaves in and out through traffic, trying to be preoccupied with her driving and ignore the Holy Spirit’s voice. But he won’t let her do that.
“Okay, okay, Jesus, I’ll call her today and apologize. It’s my fault; it’s always my fault!” she responds in frustration and self-pity. But with that attitude, what good will an apology do?
Have you noticed when your day starts in a rush and you’re in a bad mood, things seem to go downhill from there?