Refuge for a Single Mom

How often do you hear `thank you`?

I don`t hear it very often.  It seems like I do so much for other people and don`t get very much appreciation at all.  Sometimes this really gets to me – like today!

I don`t know about you, but I find myself often faced with the decision of leaving a group or place because I feel more like a doormat than a member.  I love, hug, pray or lend an ear, but I never get much in return.  It would seem like there is never anyone there for me.

This is always a huge dilemma for me.  I try to have a heart to give and a mind to care and especially a spirit full of the love of God.  As human beings, this is really tough.  We want to be loved and cared for too!  We yearn for fellowship and people that miss us when we are away!  Unfortunately, the enemy is always there to lend a hand.  Reminding us how alone we feel or how we don`t `fit in` or that we`re `left out` all the time!

Fortunately, sitting here ranting about this does make me think of a few people in my life that do thank me, miss me or just all around care and that is comforting.  In fact, it lends to that saying about quality and NOT quantity!  Or perhaps, the one about not being able to please all of the people all of the time?

So then, if people are thankless, rude, thoughtless, inconsiderate, etc., should we remove them from our lives?  Should we discontinue a work that we feel called to do?  How much do we really have to bear before we can `call it quits` on something (or someone)?

This particular verse comes to mind (and is one of my favorites):

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.  Proverbs 31:31

You know, this would imply that our true rewards aren`t even here on Earth!  Yes, surely God will bless His daughters and provide generously for them.  We will receive our true praise and appreciation from the Lord.

Our pastor has been discussing this a lot lately, in part because of some issues at church, but mostly because it is Godly to give and not worry so much about the receiving end!

And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.  I Corinthians 13:3

Everything we do, we need to do for, through, about, because of, and with God.  Plain and simple!  If we do anything, including give, with the intention of receiving gratitude, appreciation or recognition from other human beings, our efforts are futile!  We may receive those things in the long run, but primarily, before all else, we have to live in a way pleasing to God.  A way which glorifies Him.

1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;
2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
3 But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;
4 and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them;
8 for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light
9 (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),
10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;
12 for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.
13 But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
14 For this reason it says, “Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”  
15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.  Ephesians 5:11

Labels: Decisions, Discouraged, Generosity, Godliness, Perseverance, Righteousness, Way of Thinking