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I kinda sorta did a bad thing. See, there are certain days of the year that make me envious of other people. On Mother's Day, for example, I envy women who receive gifts of flowers, jewelry, gift cards, etc. and whose families hold get-togethers where love surrounds them. Childless by choice, I have no reason at all to envy the moms out there. It's just one of those things I need to repent of every year.
Another one of those days is the lesser known Administrative Professionals Day, celebrated on Wednesday of the last full week of April. I've been the secretary of my church for nearly 20 years, and a couple years ago I joined a Facebook page for church secretaries. There, we swap stories of our jobs, encourage one another, and offer advice when needed. So on Administrative Professionals Day, half of us post pictures of the flowers and gifts we receive while the other half keep telling ourselves and each other that we work for the Lord.
I should have heeded Colossians 3:23-24 (NLT) that says, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ." Instead, I grew envious of those other secretaries with all their gifts showered on them.
And so I kinda sorta did a bad thing. On my personal Facebook page I posted a picture that said, "Happy Administrative Professionals Day" and then captioned it, "Just sayin."
Later that day, the teachers at our church's preschool gave me a card they all signed, and then there was a flower delivery from the pastor and church council.
Oh, boy. What did I do?
My envy of others drove me to post something where I outright begged for applause. Ugh. Would the card and flowers have come anyway, even without my begging? Maybe. But the point is, I forgot I was working for the Lord and not for people.
What about you? Is there something you've been pouring your heart and soul into, but when you look around it seems no one noticed?
Or when you've made sacrifices for others, but they don't acknowledge your efforts?
How about when you "go the extra mile," but they still won't give an inch?
Friends, resist the urge to say something about it (and that includes social media posts and emails, not just the spoken word). Don't do what I did. Don't lose track of the goal we should all be striving for-- that is, working for the Lord. That project? Your sacrifices? The extra mile? You're doing it all for God. And you don't have to seek the favor of others because God Himself with reward you. You can be certain your heavenly Father sees everything you do for Him.
Until next time,
Toni
