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Jealousy can cause any of us to do and say things that are hurtful and wrong. Fran is learning first-hand how the jealousy of a coworker can be very painful.
Jenny is jealous of Fran because of her success in the company. Now, with a new account that Fran has just signed up, it appears that Marilyn is going to assign Jenny to work with Fran on this new account. For Fran, it’s the worst possible news she could hear, because Jenny has been openly arrogant and rude to Fran.
As she and Jenny go into Marilyn’s office, Jenny says to Fran, “If you think I’m going to take orders from you, think again, Fran. I know more about this account than you will ever know.”
Fran has no opportunity to respond, as Marilyn walks in at that moment. “Well, it seems to me,” Marilyn says, “that you two are a perfect match to work on the Edwards account, since you have a lot of good experience with construction companies, Jenny.”
The silence is deafening. Nobody says anything. Marilyn continues, “I am right, am I not, Jenny? You had a large construction account in Boston?”
“I certainly did,” Jenny begins, “much larger than this one.” The anger in her voice is obvious.
“I see,” Marilyn says, beginning to sense there is a problem here. “Well, do you have a problem working with Fran on this account?”
“Well, truthfully, I think Fran should be working with me on the account, Marilyn, seeing how I know this business much better than she does,” Jenny says. She is beginning to lose control. “I think you should just let me handle this account. That would make the best business sense.”
“I see,” says Marilyn. “So, you don’t want to work with Fran on the account?”
“Like I said,” Jenny begins again, “I think she should. . .”
“I know,” Marilyn continues, “you think she should work for you. Well, we better have a talk about this. Fran, would you excuse us please?”
As Fran walks back to her office, she is literally shaking. Fran prays, “Lord, do you want me to just volunteer to give her the account?” A battle goes on inside of Fran as she wrestles with this issue. She prays and fumes and thinks, and finally she says, “Lord, I can’t stand Jenny, and there’s no way I could give her this account. But if you want me to do it, I can do it for you. So, right now I relinquish the control and I’m willing to do what you want me to do. Just show me.”
And with that she sits quietly, as her spirit calms down and the peace of God descends upon her—that peace that passes understanding. As soon as she lets go of her rights and gives the Lord permission to do his will, she can relax. Now she is in a win-win situation.
It’s difficult for us to let go, isn’t it? But letting go and giving God the control always brings peace.