Wow, pride is such an ugly thing.

Since the conference I attended last weekend I haven’t wanted to watch TV.  I haven’t been interested in the things of this world.  I’ve been hungry for God’s Word and only been focused on seeking the Lord.

Well, before you think I’m super “holy” – ha, it took all of a few seconds for me to get knocked off track.

May I use “travel weariness” as an excuse?  No, I guess not.

After being out of town this weekend, I rushed to the mall to purchase my husband a dark suit.  I was walking through the suit section and almost bumped into an older gentleman, “Oh, I’m sorry” I said.  He immediately looked at my daughter and said, “Hi Honey.  Are you here with your Mommy or Grandma?”  My innocent little one and I both said, “Mommy!”  Ok — I really felt offense and hurt rise up within me, but I intentionally kept saying, “God bless him.  God bless him.”  Maybe I passed that test (ahem). 

Then an hour or so passed and my “Boaz” made plans with his cousin Renee and her husband to meet us at a local restaurant.  We have only visited this place once because it isn’t your regular “meat and potatoes” type of hot-spot like my man usually likes.  

We arrived and realized there was a long wait (welcome to our home town) of about 50 minutes.  What choice did we really have?  So … we began chit-chatting — hoping our 5 year old wouldn’t get too rambunctious.  

After waiting for what seemed like forever, my husband went back to the host to see when our table would be ready.  We were also concerned because there was a big rain storm headed in our direction (according to the radar) and we were going to have to sit outside.  (The host said if we wanted an inside table it would be another 45 minutes.)  My husband asked the host, “What will happen if it starts to rain?”  “Uh, you’ll get wet” the host said smugly.  Ok, I admit it.  HE WAS RUDE and WE WERE OFFENDED.  We would have left right then if there had been another restaurant with a shorter line. 

He could have easily said something more empathetic, friendly, and professional.  

Proverbs 19:11
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

 Sigh.  I blew the test.  Lord forgive me.  

What is behind offense?  PRIDE!

Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

There you go.  

I’m sorry I allowed pride in my heart.  

I felt remorse.

Tomorrow is a new day …

Lamentations 3:22-23
Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed,
      Because His compassions fail not.
       They are new every morning;
      Great is Your faithfulness.

 Have a great evening everyone.