They don't get the name "GRUMPY" for nothing!

I have been so stressed this week...hence the lack of blogging! I've been working with a "former" boss this week on an inventory at First Baptist. He owns an inventory company that catalogs in print and photographs all the items of a home or business for Insurance purposes. This is very detailed and stressful work, especially in a church of several city blocks! We have been working diligently all week to get this church inventoried and we are only about half-way finished.

I used to work with him 5 years ago and he hasn't been able to find good help since! He calls me when he has big jobs and begs me to come and help him, cause honestly, he knows I'll get it done. Anyway, he called me about a month ago and asked me to give him one week to help him on this job. Turns out it will probably take two weeks, at least. Let me just say, that I have been reminded of why I quit working with him several years ago. He was pretty cranky then, but now he is even crankier..if that's even a word! He is almost 70 years old (too old to be doing this type of work) and he is ornery, obstinant, grouchy, grumpy, and downright rude at times. He always has to be right and that doesn't mix well with someone who really IS always right! (it's true...just ask my hubby!) There have been several times this week that I've had to just put down the laptop and walk away for a few minutes and take a few deep breaths. One day I even had to call Gary and tell him to say something quick to keep me from walking off this job! I'm the only one that knows how to run the program on the laptop. He just "flits around" taking photos on the digital camera...what monkey can't do that? I've told him all week that if he realized how valuable I was, he would be nicer to me! He just laughs. Each morning I prayed for patience in dealing with him, and each morning that patience flew right out the window in about 2.2 seconds. By the time I got home each evening, I was both physically and mentally exhausted and usually in the bed by 9:30 p.m. And now week one is turning into week two. Ugh.

One final thought...this afternoon we were working on a floor with a maid. She seemed a little "off" because she kept talking to herself nonstop, very loudly I might add. But she said something that stuck with me. She was babbling about this and that when I heard her say, "God has given each of us different gifts, and this is my gift". Here she was, pushing a janitorial cart around, vacuuming, dusting, emptying trash cans, but she was doing it joyfully unto the Lord. That was like a sock in the gut to me. I asked the Lord for forgiveness for my poor attitude and was quickly reminded of Philippians 2:14 , "Do all things without complaining and disputing." So, thank you Velma, for that very powerful testimony...seems like I was the one that was a little "off".

7 sweet friends had to say...:

chrome dome said...

I know you're really just afraid that I'm going to be like that in just a few years (or maybe already am like that!) That's actually a picture of me after a rough day at school.

Jean said...

Boy, can I relate to that, chrome dome!

Tracey, now that I know what you're doing these two weeks, I'll lift up a prayer for you when you come to mind. And that is convicting, indeed, hearing that maid claiming her purpose in life. Thanks for sharing that.

Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

I'm just wondering...does this man know you blog? haha..He'd love to see his picture...I laughed out loud when I saw it...where'd you get that? I totally need some cool pictures for my part of the world..:) Remembering you in your hard work, dear. YOu are a better woman than me.

Melody said...

Okay, so I guess we're praying for each other today...Thanks by the way...and yes, you can TOTALLY compare the loss of a parent to the loss of a child. In fact, I was just telling the kids earlier that as hard as it is to lose a baby from your tummy, it is so much harder to lose someone you have seen and known. And no, you never get over it, but I don't really want to. I want to always remember, and cry for the little ones, and anxiously await the day that I get to hold them in heaven!

And I agree with The Preacher's Wife, that picture was a riot! Thanks for the laugh!

Justabeachkat said...

I've wondered where you were. Sorry your week was so bad. It's amazing that he needs you and knows how valuable you are and yet doesn't treat you with respect. Not good! Good story about the maid. I know God places people right in front of us to give us a lesson. He used her not just for you but for all of us too who read about it. Thanks for sharing it. Hoping next week will be much better for you. Enjoy your weekend.

Tracey said...

No, he doesn't know I blog and that was not really his picture! I just "googled" grumpy old men and that was the first image that came up...too funny! Although it does favor him!!!

Dianne said...

Sorry you've been so busy, but I LOVE the last paragraph. A little reminder never hurt anyone!

 
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