Yesterday I had a bad day–at least by my standards. I’m sure the people of Houston and Galveston, blown away by Ike, would gladly take 10 of my bad days to one of theirs. Compared to losing a home, my day wasn’t that bad, I guess. But it sure was tough for me.

It all started about a week ago when I got a call from my boss about something I had “approved” for publication. I work for a magazine. I explained the issue, and he understood where I was coming from, agreed with me that the situation was handled poorly, and that he didn’t have all the facts when he decided to call me on it. That should have been enough to calm me down, but it wasn’t. My reputation means something to me, and it was getting dragged through the mud. I do a good enough job of that myself. I don’t need any help. Feel me?

The whole situation blew out of proportion because the people who had the problem chose not to come to me for clarification on the issue. Instead, they went directly to my boss. What could he do but call me for an explanation–which they could have done. What was their agenda?

Needless to say, the whole episode has complicated the work environment. To be honest, I’m trying hard to not hold any grudges in this situation. I have to let it go and I will. That’s not easy, but God is helping me.

I got up this morning and read Matthew 26:36-46 from the Bible. I go to the Bible when I’m upset. Those verses recount the turmoil Jesus felt on the night before He was crucified. He was sad and fearful as He neared the end of His mission. The weight of the world’s sins was crushing the life out of Him. Jesus needed support in his our of trial. He wanted a word of encouragement from the guys He’d encouraged on countless occasions. He needed some care from the people He had cared for.

We all make mistakes. I’ve made my share and will make more. We all wish that people wouldn’t let us down from time to time, but we are all human. We don’t always get it right, and that’s what I have to remember. I respect my co-workers and I’m going to work with them, no matter what.

I thank God for this “bad day” because it made me turn to Him. I took another look at what Jesus endured for the sins of the whole world. If He could make it through that day, I can make it through this one with His help.

I’m one step closer to Jesus.