Comments on: Frustration As Refinement

By: Check These Out [4/25/09] (GBrenna.com)

Check These Out [4/25/09] (GBrenna.com) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 18:18:56 +0000

[...] Frustration as Refinement – Frustration is a good thing… in moderation… [...]

By: Graham Brenna

Graham Brenna — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:47:19 +0000

I think that no matter what job you’re in… there should be some level of frustration. If you’re not frustrated at all, totally complacent… that’s where we become ineffective as employees. Too much frustration will eventually cause one to leave a job, yes. But the right amount keeps us hungry for improvement.

But that’s just my opinion… I could be wrong.

By: zac

zac — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:25:31 +0000

Good stuff, CO. I sense your frustration. I’m trying to imagine frustration as a motivator for thought. When I am frustrated, I want to engage God and talk things out with Him. You know how when you talk things out you sometimes find the answer? I want to imagine what future benefit might there be if I can stick with this frustrating situation. How does dealing with someone who is late or someone who likes illegal drugs going to help me deal with my spouse or my kids or my friends or my future reports?

By: Cristy Olof

Cristy Olof — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:23:10 +0000

Are you kidding me? I DO NOT like being refined! It hurts! The results are always pretty though! =)

So, I read between the lines…Brian struggling at work? =)

Thanks for this post today Zac, I sure needed it. I am frustrated. There are people in ministry who don’t take serving God the same way I do. It really REALLY frustrates me. I am not sure how to deal with these emotions. I have to set boundaries for what is permissable in our ministry and play the “bad guy” and yet, I want to think of these people as friends/family. It hurts. They think that smoking a little pot is not a big deal and that I am “too strict” or that “you just don’t understand.” Being chronically late shouldn’t equate not being on the team for a while. There is justification and resentment toward me…..I understand the leadership role I play and that God wants me to love them through this. I believe loving them is doing what I am doing. Satan tells me otherwise sometimes.

Any input?
Love,
Cristy

By: zac

zac — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:16:55 +0000

Yes, Paul, there is great tension in determining the worth of frustration at work — or in other cases. I’m going to try searching for meaning broader contexts for a time. Thanks for the comments.

By: paul

paul — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 05:14:42 +0000

nice post.
and some good points, although the idea of “holding still amid the frustration” for as long as possible is… uncomfortable. wise, but discomforting…

but in response to your workplace example,
i think it really depends on the source and type of frustration.
if it’s the smelly complainer in the next cubicle, patience and prayer would be in order.
but if the boss has the wrong vision, or no vision, or is micro-managing the life out of your work (as opposed to just personality differences, for example), then i say get the heck out.
yes, in the end, some wisdom or good may come out of it, but there’s lots of ways that God can refine us… not every frustrating situation has to be *that* meaningful venue IMHO.