After a powerful service on Sunday, I mentioned to my daughter that my phrase for the week was going to be, "Oh, well." By 9:00 AM Monday, I had already said it five times. Life in administration means hundreds of decisions flying at you every day. Some things are out of your control, others are simply opinions about your leadership. In my ADHD brain, all of it wants to spiral. But it really comes down to perspective and faith. Not holding on to control and living by faith.
September 20th’s Jesus Calling laid the “Oh, well” mentality out clearly: don’t be burdened by petty cares and frustrations. Most of what causes worry isn’t important and can be shrugged off. That way, when a serious decision comes, you’ll still have the energy and mental capacity to face it. As Paul wrote, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
So when the lunch sheets weren’t printed Monday morning… oh, well.
When I had to meet with someone who openly expressed displeasure with my leadership… oh, well.
When the urinal water was boiling hot (and I still don’t want to know how anyone figured that out!)… oh, well.
When nine staff members were out on a Monday… oh, well.
By mid-morning, I had every reason to spiral. Instead, I kept saying oh, well and moved on. And guess what? By 11:00, I had finished all nine things on my to-do list and covered the office. If I had wasted energy on little frustrations, my whole day would have been swallowed up in worry that didn’t deserve my time.
Oh, well.
Let's go a little deeper, shall we? I must realize that God is on the throne and knows how it's all going to work out. The bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 that He is going to prosper me and give me hope and a future. So why do I allow my health anxiety creep in at its own convenience? Cut it off, says Micah during service this week. That phone that's always in my hand...lay it down. A lot of the worry comes directly from Dr. Google and all the online docs out there that have their own opinions.
One thing that stuck with me this week was the phrase; it's going to make you stumble. Isn't it better to stumble on Earth than to give up eternity? If the spirit is poking at you, listen. Some things cause a reaction, like the comment about my leadership. That's not the spirit poking me, that's the enemy stirring. Don't react, pray, and move on. Oh, well.
Here’s the bigger truth: all these daily acts I do? On their own, they’re nothing.
Let that sink in.
In the big scheme of things, Romans 4:1-8 tells us that salvation is by faith and not works. I "do" works all day long. It's how I lead with love. I am a "doer." How do I go deeper in my faith through my actions when actions don't get me to salvation?
Really confusing, right?
Righteousness is a gift, it cannot be earned. This is where I am in my understanding. So yes, I’ll keep leading, serving, and doing my best—but not because it saves me. I’ll do it out of gratitude for the One who already saved me.
At the end of the day, it isn’t about what I accomplish, but about the faith I place in the One who already accomplished it all on the cross. It's my daily goal to keep that truth front and center.
I’m thankful for the community I’ve found at Woodland Bible Church. Every day is a new chance to learn more about truth and to shine a little light for others. I’m far from fully understanding everything, but I love how I can take Sunday’s message and live it out on Monday with my staff and students. That nudge to bring love into public ed ten years ago—that was the Spirit. I’m glad I listened.
Just Love,
Kirsten
