Helen the Horrible

Helen definitely came in to work today.

I hate it when Helen's here. She just can be so...well...nasty. She yells at her computer when it runs too slow, yells at automated systems when she makes a call, and usually has something bad to say about whoever she just hung up with. She's nice enough to her coworkers, they usually aren't a problem for her, but she's always on edge, always frustrated. Although her voice turns sugary sweet when she picks up a ringing phone, it's so fake and phony there's no way she's fooling the person on the other end of the line.

And the worst part about Helen? Well, it's me.

You see, when my co-worker Tracey started here about a year ago, she gave us a clear warning that sometimes Tracey would come in, and sometimes it would be Elizabeth, her "alternate personality." And it wasn't too long before each of us learned the name of the other side of us. The part of us that is the short-tempered, impatient, rude side that likes to let slip out of their mouth whatever they want to at the time.

When my co-workers asked my husband if he knew about Helen (after explaining exactly who she was), he said, "Oh, I knew about her...I just didn't know she had a name!"

I told everyone at work that Helen would probably be here until vacation comes next week, because it's been way too long since she's had a break. But then again, Helen may come back from vacation since, well, returning from vacation is never fun either.

While it's fun to joke about at work and we all understand we have bad days, how sad is it that I knowingly have that side of me and simply excuse it away?

Ephesians 4 refers to that part of us as the "old self," and trust me, that chapter makes Helen want to run far, far, away.

Ephesians 4:1-2 - As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (Wow, after reading that, how could I ever let Helen weasel her way out of me?) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Eph 4:22-24 - You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self (Helen who???), which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Which definitely does not look like Helen!)

Eph 4:29, 31-32 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (are you getting this yet, Helen?? There's no excuse for the things that come out of that mouth!). Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

So maybe Helen came into work today, but she definitely does not have to stay. In fact, I'm not sure I can even see her anymore. I'm pretty sure it's Emily sitting in that cubicle now. And hopefully, we'll be hearing less and less from Helen from now on.

Emily