How demanding life can be! You know what I mean, right? We follow that same routine—trying to catch our breath as we rush through the day, meeting everyone's needs. Where is the reward?
My answer came through my brother and his wife Lois who were our house guests for a few days.
One evening I knocked at the door of our guest room.
"Come in," Lois said.
I walked in and felt the ironing board. "What are you ironing?"
"The table runners we bought."
"You don't have to." I protested, "You did more than enough: cleaned, rearranged, shopped and even painted a table for me."
"I don't mind," she said.
She didn't mind because that's what she does. Anything she tackles is done quietly, with no expectation. She helps in a silence that screams kindness and pure love.
Why can't I be that way? Secretly, I look for recognition or at least a faint sign of appreciation.
Can you identify? You just wiped the kitchen counter and cleaned the floor for the umpteenth time. But no applause from anyone. You did the third load of laundry. No one noticed. Paid the bills with stress cramping your stomach, and no appreciation there either. And while at work, the extra load of tasks is completed, but the boss gives no recognition. You even smile at the cashier at the store but it goes unnoticed.
Sigh! Do we just keep on giving and giving? Is there any hint of satisfaction or return for our efforts?
God has the answer:
"Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So, when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." (Matthew 6:1-4)
Prayer: Father, in the secret of my heart I want to be recognized and I look for rewards. Change my heart and grant me humility to do all in the quietness of love. May my actions be for your eyes only. In Jesus' name, amen.
What reward can you expect from the Lord today?
Janet Eckles
If this message resonated with you, please visit Janet's cyberspace home for more inspiration.
