A Birthday Missed

The economy has had some tough blows over the past year and not many companies have gone un-affected by this punch in the gut including mine.  We have downsized several times, we have cut back our trucking fleet, we have shut down different terminals and divisions.  As a last resort we have filed a chapter 11 in the hopes that we can become profitable again, pay off our debts and get back into the work force full swing.  The management in our company has been great by expressing a positive outlook and giving words of encouragement to the skeleton crew still there, but there is always that uncertainty in the back of your mind as you push through the day not only trying to do your job but also the jobs you have inherited due to the company downsizing.  Somewhere in the midst of all the chaos we forgot a co-workers birthday and it hurt her deeply.

This co-worker remembers every birthday in our office and helps to organize luncheons on those special days, but we were so busy and distracted with our on "woe is me's" that we forgot hers.

How often do we go through the day so busy and distracted that we forget to thank Jesus for the job we have, the roof over our head, the food on our table, a car to drive and so on.  We get so caught up in our own issues we don't stop to think about the blessings God is constantly giving us and the thankless job He has.  He deserves to be remembered in everything we do, everything we say and all our thoughts.  I'm sure that God is devastated every time we take His gifts and blessings for granted. 

Just like we took our thoughtful co-worker for granted and forgot to thank her for the many selfless deeds by recognizing her birthday, we take Jesus for granted every time our feet hit the floor by forgetting to acknowledge the One who gives us the strength to rise. No matter what the situation or the circumstance, never ever take Jesus out of your day and you will remember to be thankful not only to Him but will overflow to others who have crossed your path and made a difference.