The Test-ees (Sorry, I had to use that title... it made me giggle)

There is a particular family at our church that continually "tests" us. That makes my husband and I the "test-ees". What a title. I'm putting that on my business card.

They will miss a week and then wait to see if we call. We are getting to the size now that, unless someone tips us off, there's no way we'd know (especially my husband and me... on a Sunday morning... it's crazy for us just trying to shake hands and meet as many people as we can) and they might be missed. But we don't call every family that misses a Sunday... then of course... every family isn't testing us.

They don't like that we take an offering... they don't like how often we take communion... they are one of the two feuding families at our church... oh, and they're mad at my husband for not intervening in a situation sooner when he suggested that they follow the Biblical guidelines and talk to the other family on their own first.

Are we perfect? By no means. But are we doing our best to bring glory to God? Absolutely. Do things fall through the cracks? As much as we try not to let them... of course they do... we're human.

Between this family and my bi-polar bear (who I have to meet with next Monday night... really looking forward to that one), I am ready to throw in the towel... but I know I can't. NO one told me there would be so many difficult people- though I guess I knew it. There is just no way we can ever live up to everyone's expectations. I'm starting to get that and let more and more roll off my back- it's just hard to be so dang nice all the time.

I know Who we have to please. I pray He is satisfied with our efforts.

Father, help us to model You. Shower us with your wisdom, strength, and a vigorous sense of humor so we can laugh when we need to. And I need to tonight.