In Stitches

Yesterday just before the noon hour, I found out my girlfriend, Suzy, was waiting outside for me at work. She had come to surprise me but what she didn't know was that I was going to surprise her. Right after I heard she was outside I sliced open my pinkie finger with a razor knife. I went to the bathroom to clean up and put a band-aid on. But to my surprise I had cut myself a little worse than I thought. Ever so calmly I went to my shop Foreman and told him that I was going to run to the hospital to get stitched up.

I went outside and Suzy was full of smiles until I told her I needed her to run me to the hospital. I thought it was kind of funny myself. I was able to keep my humor, good attitude, and continue to be filled with joy even in the middle of a small trial.

The reason I tell you this story is because we all need to stay a positive influence for those around us. At work, all the guys get real angry anytime they get hurt, especially if it involves the hospital. They freak out and curse and swear and feel sorry for themselves because they got a little boo-boo. Though our suffering is just for a little while, we are eternal. Our joy will last forever. I pray that my example would get through to those who see how I react to pain, suffering, or any other trial for that matter.

Another reason for posting this is because it shows me how I've changed since giving my life to Christ Jesus. The fruit of the Spirit is starting to show and that is very exciting to me. By the way I received only 3 stitches which made me feel kind of wimpy. Suzy told the doctor to say she put in 18 so I would feel more manly. When the nurse came in to see how the doctor was coming along the doctor replied, "Very good, I'm on my 18th stitch." that left us in stitches. Ha ha