I have a considerably undesirable personality quirk that gives me the ability to become super worked up over something incredibly unimportant. This happens most often at work, where it is not effective or constructive.

My current job is one I view as temporary, because it has absolutely nothing to do with where I want to be in life. I’m bratty about it, I know. It fell in to my lap thanks to my brother. It’s not very difficult and I try to do my job well for the most part.

One day one of my coworkers and I got in to a disagreement because of communication problems. By communication problems I mean that he didn’t listen to me. I clearly explained what his fault was and took responsibility for my own, because I knew that he had a point in his argument, and also that I was right.

What got me amped up though was that he told everyone else in the office and outside of it that the situation was all my fault! All of a sudden, for someone who couldn’t care less about their job I was super pissed off about work! I felt victimized, and since I was so obviously without a doubt right this must be a blatant attack on my character and work ethic! I could do this kid’s job better than he could!

Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall

I was obviously taking myself very seriously. When I calmed down and started to consider why I was even mad I realized that I was suffering from an inflated ego. My pride had gotten out of hand, and as someone with a pride problem I am starting to realize that it will not save me from injustice or being mistreated or acting like a big jerk.

When the bible talks about pride coming before destruction in Proverbs 16:18 it doesn’t necessarily mean that my life will be destroyed and that I’ll lose my job and everything important to me will burn up in a random fire… What does end up getting smashed to pieces is the ivory tower of pride I have built myself up on, and the fall from the nose-bleed seats is very humbling.

When it comes to the attitude I should have at work, I try to remember pretty much anything from Ecclesiastes. In chapter 5:19&20 says

…to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

Rejoice in your toil so that your heart will be so filled with joy that you can’t remember your bad days? This is something I have yet to master. I’m so bad at it that I have considered getting the word rejoice tattooed on my arm somewhere really visible so that I will be reminded all the time. Does anyone else struggle with rejoicing through what might be called stupid situations?