Do you ever have one of those weeks where you feel like you are disappointing everyone? Well I’m having one of those. So here is my short list of people who I have let down.

1. My boss. After weeks of complaining to me that I don’t “check in” with him often enough regarding my projects, I finally head into his office with three projects this morning. After about 30 minutes he is frothing at the mouth and angry because he has no solutions for my projects problems (problems I did not create). He politely chews me out, and then apologizes for being so upset (It seems some of his other engineers have ridiculous problems as well). I almost blurt out; “And you wonder why I don’t come in here more often.”, but he actually beats me to it and says it himself! Even with his apology I still leave feeling like I have been beaten with a stick.

2. Our former lead guitarist. I had invited him to play with our church band for our annual concert in the park, and he accepted (he lives about 3 hours away). I told him I would get him the music last week, but did not get all the sheet music until this week. When my wife called him last night he said he didn’t have enough time to practice, and probably would not play. He said to send him the music anyway, but not to expect anything. So I have disappointed him, and likely the rest of the band as well.

3. Our band leader. He really wants to play this U2 song (along with 25 other songs) for our outreach concert next Sunday (the same one I invited our old guitarist to). I have spent 6-7 hours working on that one song, and don’t even have half of it worked out. The parts I do have worked out sound like garbage. I have probably only spent about 4 or 5 hours working on all the other songs combined. He will probably be disappointed too, but I am not wasting anymore time on that song.

4. My mother. For the last few months she has planned for a weekend from my cousin’s family. They do this each year, and almost every year we (the Staybrite family) seem to miss it (for one reason or another). I assured her som time ago that we will not be out of town this weekend. So she plans a big BBQ this Sunday afternoon, to be held at our house. Unfortunately I have forgotten that we are scheduled to hold the monthly adult prayer meeting this Sunday evening at our house. So sorry mom, looks like we will miss them again this year.

5. My wife. Since all of this has put me in such a bad mood (a really really bad mood), I am more than certain she is disappointed with me as well.

Even if everyone else is mad at me I know that God still loves me (yes I am sure my wife and mom still love me too). Without his love I would be one severely depressed mess right now. I just want to surrender all of this trivial nonsense to him, because nothing is so bad that I can’t take delight in his love.

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And admitting all this discouragement is just the first step in receiving healing for your soul. We are reminded to always cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us.

We as Christians do tend to become people pleasers. Oh, we don't really intend to do this, but deep down we want to know that we really came through--for everyone. But, all you can do is try your best and know that sometimes we are going to fail. Failure is as natural in life as success. Letting people down is part of the process. It is from these setbacks that God takes us closer to where He wants us if we let Him. Usually, though, it's easier to wallow in defeat and self-loathing.

How do I know this? I do it too!!!

Thanks for the words of encouragement.
Every word in your post rings true (esp. the part about wallowing in self loathing).

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The self-loathing part comes in after sitting and wallowing in defeat for a while. That's when depression kicks in. Trust me--it does come.

Hey, hang in there StayBrite. I've been through a terrible depression so I really feel some of what you've written.

Throughout the darkest times of my life, I relied on Scriptures to know that God loves me even when I suffer. There has been some times where I didn't felt any love from anyone but the written words slowly healed up my heart. Also, through the wonderful gift of music I've been able to express the pain I've felt for so long. But the number 1 thing that kept me alive is prayer. A daily honest talk with God is the best thing ever.


I pray that you'd see God's reaching hand in sickness and in health.

Godbless,
Martin

Thanks Endy, your words are strong encouragement.

BTW, it's great to see you here!

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Thanks for the welcome, bro.

Difficult. I try not to disappoint anyone either, but if we are human, we will.

I always say that it is a good reminder that that we are not to put our faith in people, but in God. If you put your faith in me, I'll disappoint you. If you put your faith in Him, He never let you down.

God is teaching me to bring all that bothers me to Him.
That takes times because for all my life I was used to walk around with my problems and think about it.
It really helps to share the things you are dissapointed in with God.
God knows why you are dissapointed, but ad your loving Father in heaven He is longing that you come to Him to tell about what and who you are so dissapointed in.
We have to learn that God is interested in ALL parts of our lives.
We have to learn to tell and share with Him more and me special.

We're all prone to weakness, making mistakes, getting things wrong. Sometimes all those things seem to happen at once.

I know in the past that has happened to me, but it's when I pray that things are (sometimes) put into perspective. In pray I always thank God for His blessings, and even in my lowest state there are so many things to be thankful for, that by the end of the pray I'm feeling better because of it.

He's given us creation, which is incredible in itself. Just one look at a leaf and we can marvel at the might of his handiwork.
He's given us families, friends, Christian fellowship.
He's given us life....

The list goes on forever, and although we do forget it from time to time, it's just so amazing what He's given, and what His Son did for us.

Fundy