Thursday, May 8, 2008
~Note to Self~
It's not about me...it's not about me....it's not about me.
Yes, that is my continual note to myself. Not everything is about me, in fact quiet a lot is not about me. And today the Lord reminded me again, it's not about me!
Let me explain just a little bit more. On Monday evening I made a quick trip to a homeschool groups used curriculum sale. It was a large room, crammed with many tables of books. I had to move quickly to be done in time to pick Jennifer up from dance. As I moved through the crowd to another table I ran into a lady from my homeschool support group and whom we used to attend church with. I smiled and said "Hi, how are you?" She responded and I moved on.
This morning when we got home from dance, I received a phone call from this lady. My husband told me she had called earlier also. I thought, "Oh she must want to get together or something." Silly me! She said, "Linda I was just thinking and wondering, have I done something to offend you?" I said "Oh no, I'm so sorry to have made you feel that way". Her reply, "Well when I've seen you lately, you've seemed different". I explained my need to rush through the sale and how I was tired. I again apologized and we hung up.
But I need to make a note to myself. How many times have I been the person wondering what I did to offend someone because they seem quiet or distant? How many times have I accused another of being snotty or stuck up because they didn't speak to me? I am grateful to this lady for not harboring any ill's between us, but to clear the air. But today I am making a huge post-it note in my heart, "It's not about me". Other people have other things and happenings in their lives. I want to those to become opportunities to pray for them, not to become offended with them.
I also was thinking how this carried into the blogging community. I falsely have become upset or offended because someone has not left me a comment when I've commented on their blog. Yet, how many times do I get a comment but do not return a comment. Once again, it's not about me.
I am grateful for the Lord reminding me of this verse, one of my favorite.
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you." Ephesians 4: 26
~Forever grateful for His mercy and grace,
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Thursday, May 8, 2008 - That was beautiful!
Posted by Nancy
That really was a great post. I too have felt the same way--and yes, He is always telling me the same thing. There are many times when I haven't heard from someone in a long time and I think "what did I do? Why are they mad at me..etc." And usually it is because they are going through something totally apart from "me."
This is a great reminder!!!
Have a lovely day,
Nancy
www.homeschoolblogger.com/byhisgraceincolorado
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Saturday, May 10, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by MiryClay
Oh Linda! I pray that you've never been offended by my not returning a comment. I suffer from so much guilt concerning this. I'm so extremely busy and would love to return comments to all that stop by my blog, but when there are 70+ friends....if I visit each one...which I absolutely love to do...it takes over 4 hours. I've done this before! Please know that you are so loved and thought of. I love this post because I know of others that have had these exact same feelings. Have a very blessed Mother's Day....and let this one day be "All about you!" ;o)
Love ya,
Lori
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Sunday, May 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Jimmie
Great reminder, Linda. :-)
Sometimes I remind myself that "Jesus came to die for people not for my to do list." So being kind for people is more important than getting my tasks done.
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Monday, May 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy
Linda, This is an area I struggle in. I am an introvert. My blogging style may not reflect that, but in real life ~ I have been told that I am intimidating by people who have stuck around long enough to become my friend, even when I was in high school. I am so glad your friend felt comfortable enough with your relationship that she could call you! I wish more people were like that.
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Thursday, May 15, 2008 - That's so true!
Posted by ltjewel
Thanks for the timely reminder :)
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Monday, June 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by EEEEMommy
I needed to read this post today! I struggle so much with being quick to be offended and then feeling guilty about whether I've offended others. This season of life has been crazy busy. Even now, I have a list of things a mile long that I need to get started on, but I'm trying to catch up on blogs that I haven't had a chance to read in a month. I miss people, but I also worry that I've hurt them by not commenting as often as I used to. Sigh!
But you're right, it's not about me, and I need to let go of the me-centered attitude that is only causing frustration, and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and allow Him to guide my day and my thoughts.
You continue to be a blessing to me, and I continue to think of you and pray for you even when I don't get around to say it! BTW, how did the HOW discussion group go? I would have enjoyed that, but I loaned my book out a couple of months ago and haven't had a chance to see the girl since then and get it back.
I pray you have a blessed Monday!
Grace and Peace,
Angel
Sporadically blogging at thesakeofthecall.blogspot
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