I have a client whom I write for, and who just happens to be one of the best clients I’ve ever had. I’ve been working with him for about four months. He lives in New York and I live in Washington, so most of our communication is via email, but sometimes phone calls.
For the first few months, we were pretty formal with each other. But then as we got to know each other better, we dropped most of the formality and began joking with each other occasionally. His business has been growing quickly, and he has been giving me a lot more work. In the process, we’ve been learning to work together.
Recently, we began to hit a few bumps in working together. I was bugged about something, and stated it in an email. He responded with great grace and professionalism. But like a dog gnawing on a bone, I wouldn’t let it be. I felt like I had to bring it up again to him. Honestly, I don’t know why. But I did. And after I sent the email, I had that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that I’d gone too far. The first email was an honest discussion of my feelings. The second one totally transformed me into copywriter-turned-pain-in-the-butt.
That night, I chided myself mercilessly. He again responded with grace and professionalism, but with a slightly cooler tone. I couldn’t seem to relax. I kept thinking I’d completely blown a very wonderful situation with a great client. I went to God and asked for forgiveness. Everywhere I went, a gray cloud hung over my head. Dang, Gwenn! When are you going to learn to keep your mouth shut?
The Lord began to speak to me through my self-condemnation. “Gwenn, it’s all right. Let go. Stop worrying. I’m in control, and I’ll take care of you regardless.” But I couldn’t seem to put it out of my mind.
Then today, I went to an auto body shop to get an estimate to have my car repaired, because someone backed into my car a few weeks ago. As I stood in the office waiting for the gentleman to add up the estimate, I grabbed one of the company’s business cards. Right below the name of their company were these words:
Relax, we’ll take it from here.
I had to smile. It was though God was speaking to me. “Relax, Gwenn, I’ll take it from here.”
I don’t know what it was about those words, but they spoke to me. Whew. God will take it from here. He’s got it covered. Yes, I knew that, of course I knew that. But I had been so deep in worry that I couldn’t seem to let go, accept His forgiveness, and move on. However, when I read those words, I began to realize that even if my client sent me an email that said, “Sorry, Gwenn, I don’t need a copywriter-turned-pain-in-the-butt,” I’d be very sad, but ultimately, I’d be OK, because God has my future in His hands.
If you’re still kicking yourself for something you’ve done in the past, stop. (I know–easy to say, hard to do.) Give it to God, ask His forgiveness, and let Him take it from here. His grace is sufficient, for His power is perfected in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9) And God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. (Romans 8:28)
He’s got us covered with His grace and His power. Praise the Lord.
