Written by Danielle Monique Harris, Dual State West District

Hello Ladies,

My name is Danielle Harris. I am a contributor for the Spiritual Life Section of our Website. I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to inspire women. I know that most women are very busy like me and don’t have a lot of time to waste. This plight led me to consider a topic that would benefit us all. Consequently, the Lord inspired me to use information that I often share with my coworkers. As an administrative assistant, part of my job is to encourage, train, and inspire co-workers to do their best work. I believe that this information would be valuable to readers of Spiritual Life as well. I pray that this information inspires you!

Interacting With Co-workers

Let’s face it; working with other people is hard. Many times during the day or week, you probably think the same things I do, ‘If I could just do this by myself, I could get it done faster.’ Or, ‘If you want something done right, do it yourself!’ Or, ‘they just don’t make people like they used to;’ and my favorite, ‘Lord, what in the world is wrong with this person?’ The hardest thing to face in these types of situations is that at many times, part of the problem is you, and you are the only person in the group who can fix your attitude.

It is tough to realize that despite how wonderful I think that I am, if I am really honest, I have to admit that working with me is not always a bed-of-roses for everyone else. I am discovering that the most effective way to become a great co-worker is learn to collaborate more effectively, by becoming more self-aware and attending to my own strengths & weaknesses.

Many people feel they have a strong sense of self. However, they are unaware of how others feel about them. If it were possible to have cameras follow us around all day, perhaps we could watch the video and self-correction would be much easier to realize. Unfortunately, this is not the case so we remain unaware; get comfortable with our issues, and even call them quirks. Unfortunately, many times we are unaware of how our behavior affects those around us.

If you are struggling with working with others, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Do I get caught in the trap of negativity?
• Do I know how to give and receive grace?
• Do I know how to calm myself down?
• Do I get caught in the trap of negativity?

I have noticed that sometimes I can be having an awesome day, and just the sight of “that one person” can suck all the joy out of my heart. Therefore, I have decided that one thing I can work on is fighting to hold on to my joy. I can do this by changing my mindset to one that is solution oriented and positive. I can refuse to be trapped in negativity, choose to change my outlook on life, and choose to improve the interactions that I have with others.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Do I know how to give and receive grace?

Furthermore, instead of seeing challenges as defeating, never-ending, and frustrating, I can see them as opportunities to grow. I realize that facing life’s challenges can be scary. Especially when we are learning in front of others. One way we can address this is by giving ourselves grace. If we forgive ourselves for not being perfect, it may help the way we see others. This may also free the people around us to be open, and may even help us to develop a closer bond with others.

2 Corinthians 12:

And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

The last question is “Do I know how to calm myself down?”

Sometimes, the biggest thing in the way of solving my problem is me. Depending on the time of day, whether my husband and I are on good terms, and whether I’ve eaten, or slept, I can skyrocket from a level one to a level 100 very quickly. Also, I have noticed that people can glorify anger, and get quite comfortable with temper flares, because ‘the Bible says it’s okay to be angry.’ Well, the Bible also says we should be like the Lord who is slow to anger and abounding in love.

To return to my baseline, I have to remind myself of another passage from Philippians 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

If I LET GO of responsibility, anger, frustration, and my expectations; and give them to God, who is just, who loves me, and is always looking out for me; I can be much more positive and productive. Another important thing to remember is to watch your gauge. Often we are guilty of running our car all around town with the low gas indicator light on, and we do the same thing to ourselves. Do not wait until you’re on empty to fill up and especially do not try to do a major project with others before you take time out for self-care.

I hope that these few words were uplifting to someone. God wants us to have joy, and the devil wants us to stay depressed and distressed so that we forget our calling to spread the good news of salvation. I would like to end with a short prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you God for your abundance of love and kindness. Thank you for the many gifts that you have blessed us with, and for the many challenges we face from day to day. Please forgive us for the times that we have failed to see all the good that you have done and chose to focus on the bad things around us. I ask you to bless each person reading this article and every person that they comes in contact with. God, I ask you to help us to see ourselves and others as you do, as your children. I also ask that you to help us let go of negativity, to begin spreading the joy of the Lord in our daily walk, and to give grace to others and to ourselves. I thank you for this kind blessing. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.