POV Wednesday – What Happened… from my POV

Sometimes two perspectives clash to the point of drawing a line in the sand, throwing a glove across the face, walking twenty paces, taking shots, and letting the chips fall where they may.

It’s sad when a situation comes to this. To think that things are so bad, heads are so strong, that a compromise cannot be obtained is disappointing.

But everyone, no matter how kind or selfless, at one point or another, encounters a standoff where parties disagree, and no one is budging.

So what do you do?

Agree to disagree?

Unfortunately, to agree to disagree does not always prevent consequences or fallout. And when you care very much for something, it is difficult to surrender to those consequences.

Though working at ZooMontana has had its unique and fun advantages for which I am eternally grateful, problems came to light early, after only a few months on the job. The problems had been around for years before we arrived, but the ramifications of these problems were just now blooming. We found ourselves right in the middle.

After working hard to offer new solutions to these old problems, the old problems won out. In the process, my family and I have been hurt, worn out, taken advantage of, and even pegged as the problem.

I’m really trying not to have a pity party here, so forgive me for being vague. I don’t want to vilify anyone. I believe God is my defense and that the Truth will be made evident through facts and consequences, already coming to pass.

I’m faced with additional challenges, side effects to the main malady. I hate to see the zoo fall victim to the consequences we fought so hard against. I hate to feel like the bad guy. I hate lies and being lied about. I hate to be left without employment. I hate disliking or being angry with anyone.

My saving grace is God’s grace. Faith. Forgiveness. Trusting the ultimately trustworthy One. Knowing that I’m not the only one to experience this kind of thing. Remembering that Jesus endured much, much more than I have or ever will have to. And when all is said and done, I’m gonna be okay.

I heard a sermon once about the story of Jesus calming the wind and waves when He and the disciples were out on the stormy sea. The pastor paraphrased Jesus’ words “Oh, ye of little faith” with this: YOU ARE NOT PERISHING. The wind is gusting, the waves are rolling, but we’re in the boat with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the One whom the wind and waves obey, and we’re not perishing.

This week, this whole experience, perhaps has been another gust of wind, another wave, but it’s not a fatal blow. Far, far from it.

Well, I’ll keep you updated on the Adventures of Dan and Lori! We’re sure to be packing up soon.

Your prayers and encouragement are appreciated!

Thanks, Dry Ground friends!

(photos by photobucket.com)