A Never-Ending Search
Today I came home to a shock. There was a note on my door from the management. NOTICE TO VACATE for lack of payment. I just renewed my lease and I was on automatic payments so I was bit unnerved by this. It said I had to leave in two days. Two DAYS?!! I never received a phone call from the management wondering if I might have forgotten to adjust my automatic payment for the new lease. I didn't even get a notice that I was late, just two days to get out.
I did not react so well to this. I never do to bad news. I have lost all control of my emotions when I am given news that I have no control over. I called and the office was closed. I went online and made a rent payment, something I would have done yesterday, or the day before had she called me. I renewed my automatic payments and sent an email to the office telling them that rent had been paid and if they needed an additional amount for being late I would be happy to take care of that.
I am still shaking though not as bad. Now I'm just kind of angry. I've lived here two years even though the laundry room is in disrepair and many of my new neighbors are kind of frightening to look at. I thank God every day for my home and my job. I'm at peace here even though I dream of something better, safer, nicer.
This last year I've seen too many phone videos of people hitting each other needlessly. I cry because I don't understand why people are so unkind. I try to be kind to everyone. I help the homeless when I have the chance. I smile at all my neighbors even though some do not smile at me. I bake cookies for my co-workers when I can. Kindness goes a long way. It is pretty simple to do, too.
This notice was not kind. I have never given her reason to want me to vacate. I keep my apartment clean and I pay my rent on time. Even when things were tight last year, I always made sure to pay my rent. I keep expecting kindness, and being disappointed. Maybe I set the bar too high?
Imagine Jesus being disappointed with my reaction, but at the same time putting His arms around me and saying, "It's okay, you will not be homeless. Just breathe. Let's take a look at the online portal and see if you can pay the rent today."
One of the things that I am trying to show with this blog is that life does come at us fast and unexpectedly. We can focus on the problem, which I did immediately and scared my dog half to death. Or we can STOP, FOCUS on Jesus and IMAGINE what He would say or do if He was here with us in the flesh.
The verse comes to mind "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30.
I wasn't going to write today. I was too upset. I had a hard day at work and an unexpected welcome home. But I was praying Dear God help me. The thought occurred to me to write about it. Here we are. I am no longer shaking. I'm at peace inside. Imagine Jesus peace, the peace that passes all understanding. That is where I am at right now. If only I had done this before I got upset! Next time. This is what Imagine Jesus is all about. This right here is the lesson of the day.
Don't forget to check out the song that I am reminded of. Just click on menu link to Praise Corner or the blue musical note at the top of the page.
Philippians 4:20 "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Matthew 28:20b "....I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
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