Practice What You Preach…Especially at the Post Office

I’m so convicted.

Today started off uneventful. But then, I had to make a mad rush to the Post Office for an important package that had to be postmarked today.

I’m on the road on a book tour – so this entailed finding all the close Post Office locations and calling to find out their hours (because they don’t all close at the same time and it’s Saturday.)

After speaking with a very kind gentleman at the only one still open, I realized I barely had enough time to make it and raced out the door.

I arrived at the P.O. with two minutes to spare…and…?

They’re closed. Yep. CLOSED.

I knocked on the door.
No one came.
They let a customer out.
I asked about it – the man wasn’t in a good mood. He said they’re closed and I could use the machine. I told him that I drove all the way there, I was from out of town and it had to be postmarked today. He said the machine could do that for me and closed the door.

Then he locked it.

As I stood there with my teenage son and in total frustration, I muttered aloud that “that was rude” and “I can’t believe this.”

I stared at the “machine” – Yep, sure enough, it could do what I needed it to do. The placard clearly stated that my package would indeed be postmarked that day. With plenty of time to spare.

Then my actions and words came back to me. Not even 48 hours prior, I had spoken to hundreds of women about Joy through Grace. I asked them if they were being an example of God’s grace and His joy as they stood in line and with how they treated people. In the arena of every day, were they living in a way where others could say, “there’s something different about you, what is it?”

Ouch. Epic failure on Kim’s part. Conviction coursed through me faster than the blood in my veins- humbled by yet another two-by-four moment in my life.

But praise God for second (and five-millionth) chances.

I’m so thankful God sees fit to keep me around, even in all my failures. And I’m so thankful for the lessons that remind me to walk my own talk.

Comments 10

  1. I understand your point and it’s a good one, but I just want you to know you were 100 times more civil to the postal worker than I would have been. Or did you fictionalize this account somewhat? 🙂

    Aren’t we glad God is not as hard on us as we are? I can be so unloving to myself … so unforgiving.

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      Mike – you’re so gracious ( and no, it’s not fictionalized – my son was a witness) – but wow, once I thought about my response, I realized how short I fell of the mark. I’m so thankful God sees fit to still use a “cracked vessel” like me.

  2. I soooooooo know what you mean!!! I’m horrible about this! My day starts off well usually, but the longer I’m awake, and the more tired I get, the worse I get. God is always ready with that 2×4 to humble me, though!

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  3. For future reference, if you have an iPhone, you could download the U.S. Postal Service app to look up locations and hours as well as which ones have automated postal machines. As far as iPhone apps go, it’s not perfect, but the map feature definitely is helpful when trying to get your bearings.

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  4. Great story. Funny enough, I was making a mad dash to the PO at the same time on Saturday. 😉

    Hey, need to have you and Kayla on my show again! Email me if you’re up for it…?

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  5. No details, I am still recovering from my really bad day. I apologized to one, but the other I do not know their name or location. Some days the “I must do this ….” gets in the way of reflecting God.
    The memory will serve me in the future, I hope. I think.

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  6. Thanks for sharing! I can completely relate to your post office experience of seeking to be Christ in all places… indeed, a daily “struggle”.
    I’m delighted to find your blog and resources! It’s been great connecting with new people through the ACFW course!
    Blessings, Sharon

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