Focus On Your Sin, Not Others

Dear reader, 

I can’t stand grievances, especially when they are out of my control. 

For the past 2 weeks or so we have been dealing with bed bugs at our home. Nothing too serious, but enough for it to be a certain level of annoyance. 

For those of you who don’t know bed bugs are the smallest kind of insect, and if you’ve heard the infamous saying before bedtime, they most surely bite. 

We found traces of them on a Saturday, and then we learned that they were found on the couches, where we all lounge, and there was no telling how far they spread within our house. 

We had an exterminator do a walk-through, and within 5 minutes he saw enough evidence to spray each and every room. 

Oh boy. 

If you have never gone through the process of prepping for an exterminator let me tell you it’s no small deal. You have to remove everything under your beds, get rid of all cardboard in your room that is on the floor, and wash and dry anything that is of a fabric material in an industrial washer and drier which is typically found at the laundromat. 

The process it took to get just my room alone ready for the infestation took about 4-5 hours. This project took a majority of my day when I could have been doing other things, and I must admit I had many other things I could have been doing. 

But what it came down to was this, was I going to put in the work to take care of the space God has blessed me with? Or willfully neglect it and hope for the best?

The Holy Spirit pressed heavily on the first option. 

I cannot say that my mind and heart were in the best spot the past few days. Even though I ended up taking care of my space, I was responsible for double-checking all the other rooms in the house and some of my roommates did not show the same level of care I did. 

It was easy for me to get angry, and I must admit that was the first emotion I felt. But then after that, I had to conclude that they’re responsible for their actions, and I am responsible for mine, the effort I put forth in the field God has given me is mine to work, I am not held accountable for another's actions. 

I write this to encourage you. Work well with the tasks and trials God places in front of you, take them on with his strength and wisdom, and do not take on the weight of another’s negligence. It’s not yours to bear. 

Sincerely,

Your Newly Bed Bug-Free Pal

-Mitchell