It's Not About Me
Posted by Lynn Wehner in Faith on Monday, November 22, 2010 2:00 PM
I received a one-two punch in my morning reflections today. As the resident control freak in my house, I just love, love, love clarity.
Today’s Magnificat Gospel reflection by Elizabeth Leseur:
“Let us never look for the result of our efforts for others. It is good for us not to know it, for if we did, pride in doing good, the most subtle pride of all, might follow.”
Imitation of Christ (Chapter 47):
“My child, let not the labors which you have undertaken for my sake crush you … have confidence that my promise will be your strength and consolation.”
So here’s the one-two that hit my heart: 1. When I’m “succeeding” in doing good things, I need to be humble and dependent on God. He’ll do exactly what needs to be done with my efforts. 2. When I’m struggling through trials, I need to be trusting and dependent on God. Only he is sufficient to carry me through.
Because you know what? Whether in good times or in bad … it’s not about me.
Hey wow, look at me, working for the Kingdom. But it’s not about me. Any good I am able to do is only possible because of God’s gifts to me and his working in and through my life.
Woe is me, look at me, enduring suffering and pain. But it’s not about me. The trials I endure are nothing in the face of God’s power and strength to get me through.
This call and need for total dependence on God is at the root of our personal journeys to grow in holiness. Especially for control-freak types like me.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, let’s not forget to put at the top of our list of blessings the gift that we have a God who is always there for us. A God we can always depend on.
And, as we prepare our hearts for Advent, which begins next weekend, maybe we can all reflect like Mary. She always knew — it was never about her.
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