What Do We Expect From This?
I've heard a lot this week about "donor fatigue." I'm tired. I'm tired of being asked. I'm tired of the endless need. Maybe what we're really saying is, "I'm tired of being disappointed." Disappointed that the good efforts we put forth don't always create the outcome we want. Tired of the world not responding according to our plan.
I often tell my son that his job is to love, not to be loved. His job to worry about the effort he puts in, God's job to worry about the result. What if we gave back simply because it's the right thing to do? To serve for the joy of serving?
I'm not suggesting we shouldn't pay attention to the outcomes. I am the first one to say that God gives us the gift of discernment, and we use His gifts to figure out what creates impact, and what doesn't. To do otherwise is foolishness.
I'm suggesting we remember that our Heavenly Father loved us when we were unlovable, He loves us every time we fail, and He has promised to never tire of loving us. To serve for the pleasure of hearing His voice, feeling His touch of approval, falling at the feet of He who is pure love, pure service—isn't this enough? The worship is in the act of service.
What if we gave back for this alone?
I often tell my son that his job is to love, not to be loved. His job to worry about the effort he puts in, God's job to worry about the result. What if we gave back simply because it's the right thing to do? To serve for the joy of serving?
I'm not suggesting we shouldn't pay attention to the outcomes. I am the first one to say that God gives us the gift of discernment, and we use His gifts to figure out what creates impact, and what doesn't. To do otherwise is foolishness.
I'm suggesting we remember that our Heavenly Father loved us when we were unlovable, He loves us every time we fail, and He has promised to never tire of loving us. To serve for the pleasure of hearing His voice, feeling His touch of approval, falling at the feet of He who is pure love, pure service—isn't this enough? The worship is in the act of service.
What if we gave back for this alone?
I believe everyone has something inherent inside us that makes us want to stay in a comfortable and familiar zone and another pull that impells us to do more and to seek God's direction and will. When I stay in my private comfort zone, I soon become restless and unfulfilled. When I look beyond self, something happens and I get led in new and exciting directions. This leads to a new "wow" factor and I always seem to receive way more than I give. This requires taking the step into the unknown by being receptive to new directions and saying yes when they are before us. My process starts with listening, networking to others who are in the faith and to look for areas of need. I pray for direction and ask to be used and, it happens. Interestingly, the opportunities that are the largest reach seem to be the ones that are most fulfilling. So why don't we all reach more often? What a difference it would make.
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