As some of you know, I am quite privileged to have a well-paid and stable job at Caravia Fresh Food here in Clarks Summit. God has thoroughly blessed me with this job, and it's definitely helping me pay the enormous school bills...especially this year. My boss is very gracious in giving me raises, days off when I'm sick, and being willing to work around my ridiculous school schedule. God has been greatly providing for me in the area of work.
The unfortunate part of this job is that on a daily basis I have to deal with rich people who think they are the top of the food chain. Yep, that's irritating. I am daily reminded of my depravity as I try my hardest not to be bitter towards their stuck-up attitudes. Today I was dwelling on how bothered I was that some customers hardly acknowledge me. I am required to meet each customer with a cheery smile and, "Hi, how are you? What can I get you?" You know, just to establish a false, pleasant relationship for the next 5 minutes we have to be together. Generally I get a smile and greeting in return, but other times I get this, "Hey, gimme one of those..." or "I would like this..." They completely jump into business, barely acknowledging my friendliness. All they want is my usefulness, which makes sense...but their briskness still smarts sometimes.
As I dwelt on this irritation of mine, that these stuck-up people would so easily talk AT me but not necessarily TO me, I thought of something.
How often do I do this to God during prayer?
Stunning. I was baffled at the mere concept of it. God wants an open, honest, continuous relationship with me. He has opened the lines of communication by offering His son to die for my sins, who rose from the dead and provided a chance at eternal life spent with Him. All of this is at my fingertips, but so many times I start my prayer immediately with something like, "Hey God, don't forget about my school bills, okay? And remember...I really want a new car. That would be nice. Getting through this semester with straight A's would be fantastic too. Well, thanks for listening, see ya tomorrow." WHAT?! Really? Is that really the conversation my Savior deserves?
Yes, He wants to know my desires. Yes, He wants to know what's on my heart and what I just need to vent about. But do I take the time to thank Him for always being there? Do I praise Him for what He has done, and return the "greeting" that He has given to me? Do I thank Him for the privilege of waking up every morning and being able to roll out of bed on two good feet; do I take note of the good night whisper of a sunset, and the morning glory of the sunrise; do I take a minute to remember all the fantastic things He has accomplished in my life in the last week? No, not as much as I should. For that I am ashamed.
Lord, forgive me for neglecting such an important aspect of our relationship. Remind me daily that I need to take conversations with You more contemplatively and thankfully; help me not to simply rattle off a couple requests and be on my way. I love You and truly desire that most intimate relationship with You alone. Amen.
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