{"id":5581,"date":"2024-05-17T12:04:17","date_gmt":"2024-05-17T16:04:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/?p=5581"},"modified":"2024-05-17T12:04:20","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T16:04:20","slug":"when-i-dont-feel-gods-lovingkindness-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/?p=5581","title":{"rendered":"Packages (Part 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 1<\/a>\u00a0(Slightly updated since posted)<\/p>\n

I found myself\u00a0seated among the packages\u00a0again at dawn the next day. Was this part of a long dream? It felt so real. And what were these packages anyway?<\/p>\n

Trying to rest was challenging. I was worried. I felt sure the upcoming meeting with the vice president was connected to Harrison.<\/p>\n

Then I remembered what\u00a0He had said before my lunch: \u201cAvoid defensiveness and remain true to your identity.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I had avoided defensiveness. This was hard, especially since I knew Harrison\u2019s accusations were wrong. I had to suppress the impulse to proclaim my innocence. It was a sudden surge of control I doubted I could repeat. Knowing He was with me made all the difference\u2014it was as if He provided the strength.<\/p>\n

What identity was He referring to?<\/p>\n

\u201cThe identity you experience while you\u2019re here,\u201d<\/span><\/em> the voice said.<\/p>\n

As before, the voice caught me by surprise. Had I said that out loud?<\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThese boxes you\u2019re resting on. Any idea what they are?\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot sure. I\u2019ve never seen one opened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to open the package to understand them; it\u2019s all about the delivery.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Thinking of the deliveries, I said, \u201cThey all seem to be delivered with some aspect of kindness, per your instruction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re beginning to understand,\u201d He said. \u201cKindness is certainly a part of it. Imagine if, during these eternal moments before your day begins, you\u2019re resting on boxes of kindness. How might that influence your sense of personal value?\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIf each one of these boxes contained kindness from another,\u201d I responded, as I waved my arm across the sea of brown. \u201cAnd I lay among them for even a few minutes every day, it seems like the kindness would soak into me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven enough to counteract what happened with Harrison?\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

I nodded, finally understanding what he meant.<\/p>\n

Subsequently, I found myself walking across the parking lot at work. In the elevator, I punched the 10th floor and asked for package delivery instructions for my boss, Mike, and for John.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaintain high integrity,\u201d<\/span><\/em> I was instructed. \u201cAnswer each question truthfully, with composure and no defensiveness. John doesn\u2019t know you and has associated you with others he thinks you\u2019re like. Do your part. The impact will not be instantly noticeable.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

As I entered the conference room, Mike and John, already in conversation, ceased talking abruptly. I noticed\u00a0an Anti-Discrimination Policies <\/strong>document on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re facing a lawsuit,\u201d John began as I sat down. \u201cHarrison, a former employee of yours, is alleging you discriminated against him based on his religious beliefs. He says you overlooked him for a promotion because you disapproved of his religious beliefs.\u201d<\/p>\n

I glanced at Mike, anticipating he would inform John that it was his decision not to promote Harrison. But he remained focused on John with no comment.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you ever discuss religion with him?\u201d John asked sternly.<\/p>\n

Before responding, I noticed Mike and John\u2019s packages on the seat next to me.<\/p>\n

“A few months before his resignation, Harrison asked to meet with me. He disclosed that he and his wife were having marriage problems, mainly because of finances. He told me he\u2019d applied for the new position. He was looking for my assurance he\u2019d get the promotion. Naturally, I wasn\u2019t able to provide such a guarantee, even if the decision had been mine to make.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe also shared some medical challenges his son was facing, so I offered to pray for his family. He accepted my invitation and seemed appreciative. So, I prayed with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you never asked Harrison anything about his religion?\u201d John asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid your account conflicts with what Harrison\u2019s attorney has claimed,\u201d John said. \u201cSeems you\u2019re not one to hesitate in expressing your religious beliefs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly when asked,\u201d I interrupted, instantly regretting it.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur policy strictly prohibits any form of discrimination, including religious. We\u2019re putting you on leave until we can sort this out. We\u2019ll call you when we need you to come back in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Afterwards, I lingered in my car, uncertain of what to do next. How could I possibly break the news to Jill, my wife? I was shocked, angry, and felt betrayed by both Mike and Harrison. What had I ever done to them?<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t want to talk to anyone.<\/p>\n

I decided to grab a coffee and head to the park to be alone. As I pulled away from the shop, coffee in hand, I noticed an elderly gentleman wearing a Vietnam cap. He was stepping out of his old pickup truck near the exit to the main road, steam billowing from beneath the hood.<\/p>\n

Glancing to my side, I noticed a package addressed to the Vietnam veteran. Strickly out of obligation, I grabbed the package and headed toward him, feeling a bit frustrated. As I approached, I saw that he had no right leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell him you appreciate his service and listen to what he has to say. He feels unappreciated and alone. Help him.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The veteran seemed a bit timid as I walked up, unsure of what I might do. I introduced myself, thanked him for his service to our country, and asked if he needed any assistance.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name\u2019s Sammy,\u201d he revealed. \u201cFolks like you typically ignore me. I appreciate the offer, but once the engine cools, I\u2019ll add some water and be on my way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long has it been leaking?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA few months.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if we fix it permanently?\u201d<\/p>\n

He agreed, looking stunned. We fetched pitchers of water from the coffee shop, and he followed me to my regular mechanic on the next street.<\/p>\n

As his car was being worked on, I listened to his story. He\u2019d survived the injustices of racial prejudices during the sixties, even getting arrested during a courthouse \u201csit-in.\u201d In Vietnam, he\u2019d lost his leg while saving his wounded buddy. Like most veterans of that war, he returned home to hostility, not honor. He and his wife, Milly, had four children (one of whom had passed away), eight grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren.<\/p>\n

When I paid his bill, he teared up. As we parted ways, we exchanged phone numbers.<\/p>\n

Back home, Jill looked up from her desk and asked, \u201cHow was your day?\u201d<\/p>\n

I smiled. \u201cA Vietnam vet turned my day completely around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.<\/span>\u00a032\u00a0<\/sup>Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:31-32<\/strong> NLT)<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

To Be Continued<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Please Check out the\u00a0 <\/span>Cola City Podcast<\/a> . Discussions that impact the vision of reaching every man, woman, and child in a city.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God\u2019s nearness in the midst of life\u2019s adventures.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Subscribe below to get email notifications of new posts. We post a few times a month. Thank you for reading.\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
Robby Buck<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Novels by the Author:<\/span><\/p>\n

What happens when a professor figures out how to send messages to his younger self to try and avoid the suicide of his best friend? Did he change more than he bargained for?\u00a0\u00a0Beyond Time<\/a><\/p>\n

By finding two undelivered letters in a old shack deep in the woods, Cassie and Daniel unknowing set off a series of events which uncover a plot to wipe out a whole family\u00a0Hope Remains<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/sup><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I found myself\u00a0seated among the packages\u00a0again at dawn the next day. Was this part of a long dream? It felt so real. And what were these packages anyway?<\/p>\n

Trying to rest was challenging. I was worried. I felt sure the upcoming meeting with the vice president was connected to Harrison.<\/p>\n

Then I remembered what\u00a0He had said before my lunch: \u201cAvoid defensiveness and remain true to your identity.\u201d<\/p>\n

I had avoided defensiveness. This was hard, especially since I knew Harrison\u2019s accusations were wrong. I had to suppress the impulse to proclaim my innocence. It was a sudden surge of control I doubted I could repeat. Knowing He was with me made all the difference\u2014it was as if He provided the strength.<\/p>\n

What identity was He referring to?<\/p>\n

\u201cThe identity you experience while you\u2019re here,\u201d the voice said.<\/p>\n

As before, the voice caught me by surprise. Had I said that out loud?<\/p>\n

\u201cSir?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThese boxes you\u2019re resting on. Any idea what they are?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot sure. I\u2019ve never seen one opened.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no need to open the package to understand them; it\u2019s all about the delivery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Thinking of the deliveries, I said, \u201cThey all seem to be delivered with some aspect of kindness, per your instruction.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re beginning to understand,\u201d He said. \u201cKindness is certainly a part of it. Imagine if, during these eternal moments before your day begins, you\u2019re resting on boxes of kindness. How might that influence your sense of personal value?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf each one of these boxes contained kindness from another,\u201d I responded, as I waved my arm across the sea of brown. \u201cAnd I lay among them for even a few minutes every day, it seems like the kindness would soak into me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven enough to counteract what happened with Harrison?\u201d<\/p>\n

I nodded, finally understanding what he meant.<\/p>\n

Subsequently, I found myself walking across the parking lot at work. In the elevator, I punched the 10th floor and asked for package delivery instructions for my boss, Mike, and for John.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaintain high integrity,\u201d I was instructed. \u201cAnswer each question truthfully, with composure and no defensiveness. John doesn\u2019t know you and has associated you with others he thinks you\u2019re like. Do your part. The impact will not be instantly noticeable.\u201d<\/p>\n

As I entered the conference room, Mike and John, already in conversation, ceased talking abruptly. I noticed\u00a0an Anti-Discrimination Policies document on the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re facing a lawsuit,\u201d John began as I sat down.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5584,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3104],"tags":[3110,2849,3097,3089,3119,3047,478,2813,3122,3093,3105,3098,3113,2192,1701,96,2850,3103,252,3109,2507,3091,3100,1010,3111,3115,673,99,1186,961,3114,3099,3107,89,706,3120,3118,1310,3112,46,3106,3123,3121,630,1864,1215,1901,26,3108,3116,3117,2362],"class_list":["post-5581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kindness","tag-anti-discrimination","tag-beyond-time","tag-breakfast","tag-brown-packages","tag-car-mechanic","tag-career","tag-coffee","tag-cola-city-podcast","tag-courthouse","tag-dawn","tag-defensiveness","tag-delivery","tag-financial-troubles","tag-guidance","tag-hear-his-voice","tag-hope","tag-hope-remains","tag-humility","tag-identity","tag-impact","tag-integrity","tag-interactions","tag-just-ask-me","tag-kindness","tag-lawsuit","tag-leave","tag-light","tag-love","tag-lunch","tag-marriage-trouble","tag-medical-challenges","tag-package-delivery","tag-personal-value","tag-prayer","tag-promotion","tag-racial-prejudices","tag-radiator","tag-religious-activity","tag-religious-beliefs","tag-rest","tag-self-control-2","tag-sit-in","tag-sixties","tag-strength","tag-strength-in-weakness","tag-strengthen-faith","tag-stressed","tag-truth","tag-truthful","tag-vietnam","tag-vietnam-veteran","tag-wife"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5581"}],"version-history":[{"count":94,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5581\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5737,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5581\/revisions\/5737"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/5584"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5581"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}