Be warned of self-promotion, and know what really matters.

I remember the Halloween of 1999 because my husband taught me a very valuable lesson. Cassidie and Zachary were two and eight months old, and I wanted to make the perfect costumes for my precious babies, something adorable and complementary. Something homemade, as expected by the perfect mom. But working full-time and raising two small kids – how was I to manage? I was stressing. I was using my time to shop and create. I was burning from both ends, sad, frustrated, and failing, when my husband gently set me straight.

“Why these costumes? What do you think they want more? These costumes? Or time with you?” And that was it. New expectations. We purchased two store-bought costumes, and they were Mickey and Minnie. I was thankful for the reminder of what really mattered as I spent my days with them, and not the sewing machine. I have had to relive this lesson over the years.

I was reminded of this time when my devotions led me to Martha and Mary in Luke chapter 10. Martha invites Jesus into her house and prepares a meal, while her sister Mary sits at the feet of Jesus to hear his stories. Martha becomes annoyed that Mary isn’t helping, and Jesus explains that Mary understands what really matters.

So What Really Matters?

Others. Putting others before ourselves. In chapter 4, Max warns about self-promotion- doing things for recognition. This has become particularly dangerous with the use of social media.

My favorite lines from this reading are: “Happy are the unentitled! Expecting the applause of others is a fools enterprise! Do yourself a favor and assume nothing. If you go unnoticed, you won’t be surprised. If you are noticed, you can celebrate … Make a big deal out of yourself, and brace yourself for a day of disappointments. Make a big deal out of others, and expect a blue ribbon day. You will move from joy to joy as you regard other peoples success as more important than your own.” Max told a story of a man getting any wish he wanted, and he wished this: “I want to do good and not know that I did it.”

I Want to Do Good, And Not Know That I Did It.

I love that. I want to do good, and not know that I did it. That is pure, isn’t it? It’s like the Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. It’s a beautiful thought to think you could make such a difference in a life, and not even realize the impact. That’s what I want. I want to celebrate others.
Not for any reason other than to spread joy and shine God‘s light.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the gentle lessons in your Word and for the wisdom of loved ones. Thank you for continuing to teach me how to put others first and recognizing what really matters. Lord, help me to put my self-awareness and agendas aside, and to celebrate others. Help me find moments to do good, without even knowing. In Jesus name, amen.