Job 21:3

Bear with me while I speak,

   After I have spoken, then mock on.

This week was very emotional for me. The personality conflict at work was almost debilitating and sucking more energy than I had. I only got through it because I was trying to follow God and be a good example for the others, But they all knew I was struggling.

‘Bear’ was once ‘suffer’. ‘While I’ was also ‘that I may’ or something similar.

‘After’ was once ‘when I am finished’.

One of the last times I was in the office, I basically told the group they could mock me if they wanted. The problem person did in a vulgar manner, and I will never be able to get past that on my own. He showed that he was my enemy and has continued to act it out. I do not understand why he is tolerated, but it’s not my company.

I may have mentioned this recently, but I have wondered what the difference between a command and a request is when it comes from Jesus. We are told to obey his commands, but I never really grasped that I had a choice if He asked me to do something. I either love him enough to do the request or I am sinning. Even when my wife asks me to do something I want to do it because I love her even if I do not want to. To not do it is to fail, even if she gives me permission to not do it. (Note that I fail a lot.)

When I wrote out my prayer list this morning, I was tempted to pray for this person. I did, but I did not write his name on the list. I am not in this spot to bring this guy to Christ or correct his behavior. But I sure can pray that something happens to help the company get beyond his issues. Even if he mocks me that whole way.

Written 4/17/26, Posted 5/12/26, Job 489/~1070