Day 9 with Teresa Ann:
SHREDDING
I laugh as I think about Wednesday morning; showing up to my job assignment. As I met the supervisor, we cordially introduced ourselves and as she looked at me, I noticed her look of confusion. My assumption of her being confused was followed by confirmation as she commented on how “dressed up” I was for the job. I thought to myself, “Really? I thought this was casual.” She proceeded with a laugh coupled with hesitancy, “Well, I hope you don’t mind shredding papers while looking so nice.” What came out of my mouth causes me to laugh even now as I said with surprised excitement, “I love to shred!”
Clearing my throat even in the funny afterthought; “I love to shred?”
There was this determination to be joyful no matter what I was assigned to do. I couldn’t believe my reaction, yet I knew it was the Holy Spirit showing me even in those moments of how my renewed reactions would even echo my response to The Lord.
It wasn’t about acting shocked about how I thought I was too good for it; instead to just be the best with a great attitude while I did it.
There were so many lessons in that moment, I’ll share a few:
- My value is not in what I do; I just get to bring value to whatever I do.
- Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of me, to love mercy, to do justly and to walk humbly before our God.
- Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
- My response to GOD’s goodness in that shredding job, is a testimony to myself in and of itself.
At one point as she handed me the pile of papers, I was in the little office by myself and knew this was my moment with GOD. It was that juncture in which I had been sharing with others, to see our jobs and roles, in whatever it is, as though we were a paid missionary on the mission field.
Even in those moments in that little office, I was getting to pray in the Spirit under my breath and was determined to be the best “shredder feeder” “operator” ever.
Seriously! I had a competition in my head with the shredder itself. I wanted it to where you could never hear the shredder take a break. Ha!
As I think about that first assignment my supervisor gave me, even before it was completed; that was the moment it was as though GOD shred any pride within me in that area of my life. Before I received my next assignment from my supervisor, pride was silenced and humility had to have its place for me to properly partner with GOD.
REFLECTION OF THE WORD WITH HOLY SPIRIT:
Micah 6:8; Colossians 3:22-24; James 4:10; I Peter 5:6
LET’S TALK:
I strongly encourage you to have a journal and write your thoughts down. Make sure you even time and date what you wrote so when you look back, you will be in awe, yet again of our GOD (It’s the principle of Habakkuk 2:2).
When you look back at those things that GOD has shred or wants to shred in your life; how have you seen HIM, yourself, others and even your circumstances differently? Please share!
Love this Teresa! Thank you for sharing!! You are a beautiful, humble servant and God honors that!!!
This is just so, so good.
Currently, I have a JOB that for me, is like hell on earth. I cry on the way to work, “God, why have you not opened a new door for me? Please get me out of here!”
God is so good, and He uses Teresa, who for me, is my spiritual mom, to give me words I need to hear on earth.
A reminder that my JOB is a mission field. I have been assigned to this position- for His purpose. I am called, equipped and able, through Christ to complete this assignment.
This makes me cry. Cara, your words, your transparency and echoing HIS Words in the midst…so beautiful my friend! So beautiful!