Humbleness take 2

So later that week, after the first Philippian study on humbleness. I get a lesson in lab. Actually that Thursday, I gave a really good Journal club presentation. And was told twice by my boss that "you did a good job." Considering that my love language is words of encouragement and that I always want to impress authority figures, I can probably live off that for a long time and am glad that my boss does give the occasional encouragement.

At the same time, I was getting confirmation data back. That should have shown me that the cloning I had been working on since December was accomplished and correct. But it wasn't correct something went wrong. I actually waited until the next day and for the next set of data to add to the story of figuring out what was going on. Part of me wanted the bigger picture, but most of me just wanted the successful day. So the next day, when it was time to talk about the problem. The conclusion was that I had mislabeled (or switched tubes, etc) and caused the problem. And again, you just want to start defending yourself and blame someone else. But logically, it's your project and you are most likely to be the problem. Not to mention that I respect these two (that would be my boss and his wife who is also in the lab). So I do what I usual do in the presence of authority figures who are intimidating me: I get quiet and respectful. I think the only thing I said (besides the agreeing with the steps I need to take to verify that there weren't other mistakes) was that "I'm not careless with labeling." And my boss's response was that this wouldn't be the last mistake that I make. And that that week he too had made a labeling error elsewhere. So of course I feel like crap and am very angry and disappointed with myself. But I can't help but thank God for the mentors that He has given me. This is the second time now that I have made fairly big mistakes that I really just want to sweep under the rug and pretend like they didn't happen. But I haven't been yelled at. Maybe chastised a little, but all with a lot of patience.

This last week at lab meeting the other student Josh got told that he thinks too much. That he shouldn't let all the planning distract him from his work. Now let me tell you why I find this ironically amusing. Because I have been chastised for letting my data accumulate and not looking at it and thinking about it.

In other words, he thinks too much and I think too little. We must really frustrate Mrs boss.

But I am learning (and analyzing data), and that's my prayer in all of this, that I would be humble and open to critics and being taught. Oh and that I never cry in front of any of these authority figures ( I doubt that they would make me want to cry, but rather I would beat myself up in front of them, and anger leading to tears...not even close yet).