What an awesome and a bit daunting responsibility- to be an example of Jesus to my daughter. To be in charge of her care and upbringing and ensure that she sees/hears/feels the love, grace, and mercy of God on a regular basis. As I was thinking about that last night I also realized that it fits with two other jobs I'm doing this week.
We are in full swing, actually nearing the end of VBS at our church. Eighty plus children have entered our doors eager to have fun and also soak up info about the love of God. After helping register the kids, Kristi and I head upstairs to work on the upcoming Upward Basketball and Cheerleading season where, Lord willing, about 150 children will be coming to have fun, play ball, and hear about what walking with Jesus means for them and for their lives.
Three things I'm doing....three fun things that involve little ones... all with big responsibilities. It's a bit frightening if you ask me... why? Because in order to do these jobs to the very best of my ability and do what I know God is calling me to do I have to realize one thing... It's not about me.
Ha! We all probably know that but seriously... aren't there times when we do want it to be about us? When we don't want to think of others or what's best? There are times when my little one wants a book read to hear, or when she needs something from me and all I want to do is veg out and sneak cookies. :) Or when a ministry opportunityBut again, it's not about me. It's about the fact that I already have a solid relationship with God and I have chosen a path that I believe pleases Him (when I follow it!)
ok, I'm challenging you today. Here it is... find one thing (at least, I have found a handful!) of things going on in your life where you are working on making a difference but sometimes your sweet little self wants to intercede and then say It's NOT about me. It's about changing lives. It's about that amazing feeling of knowing that we are His and that we have security about our future. It's about putting others first no matter how awkward, uncomfortable, hard, or unpleasant it may be. If God is calling you to do something, get over yourself and get on with his business.
Love you ladies!
Thank you friend! That is a great reminder for me when I get gung-ho on how something should be, to pray that God leads me to do it in a way that brings others to Him and that glorifies Him.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post Shannon!
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a heart-warming post. I can just hear and see Gracie in prayer. What a blessing that had to be for you & Shane because it was a blessing for me to read about it! Also, a friend invited me to do something on Friday and I said yes and asked Jaimie to find a sub for me. After thinking about it, I realized it was more important for me to be at Bible School than attend a social activity. Wasn't easy - I struggled with "me" but I knew in my heart it was the right decision.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, thank you! I'm thankful that you were willing to serve this week- it was a busy/crazy week but I KNOW that the kids were touched and you played a part in that. I kind of feel like I should have a tshirt or a sign made that says "it's not about me" or "it's not about you" just so I can be reminded of this often!
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