Had To Post This....

Do Your Best

by Carolyn Mahaney

“Sometimes I don’t want to serve when it is something I don’t think I’m very good at” the young woman humbly confessed to me. The ugly truth behind her reluctance? Pride. This woman realized that she wants to be “the best” at whatever she puts her hand to, and if she can’t be the best, well, then she’d rather not even try.

Oh, how I can relate! I wrestle with the same temptation. But I’m grateful for my husband who has modeled humility in service for me. Whatever endeavor he undertakes, he acknowledges (to himself and others): “I know there are many people who can do this better than me.” Then he seeks to faithfully serve in whatever ways God has called him to, regardless of how gifted he feels to do it. His goal is to obey God and bless others.

Using our gifts requires humility. For as I’ve often reminded my girls (and myself!): “There’s always going to be someone better than you at what you do.” There’s always going to be the smarter kid in the class, the more outgoing friend, the more talented co-worker, the more organized homemaker, the more capable homeschool teacher, the more energetic servant, the more gifted than you at whatever you do. And you know what? These people have been strategically placed in our lives to expose our pride and help us serve with humility.

How much easier it would be to stick to arenas where we think we shine. But we should do our best even when we may not be the best. We should be willing to risk making mistakes, to allow others to see where we lack gifting and need help.

And when we humbly serve--even when we’re not the best--we’ll be pleasantly surprised at how God can use our meager gifts to encourage others and bring glory to Him!

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

(This was taken for the girltalk bloggers site...

I just had to share with those

who might not read their stuff.

I felt like it struck a cord with me

as I to struggle with not being the best in so many areas!

And it is also true, it hinders my choices....I am not the best cook

or best homemaker

I would love to have have more people over

but I feel I am not great at doing what I see others doing

therefore.I don't do it. Is it pride? I think it is.

I certainly wouldn't care how people "did" things

as long as I was invited, so why do I hold myself to another standard?

Pride.

Another negative effects of the Style at Home?Martha Stewart Living lie........

If someone had just confided in me these feelings

I would tell them to grow up and get a grip

stop being utterly ridiculous and selffish and such

and invite people over

you won't get any better at until you get more practice....

maybe I should take a heavy dose of my own medicine!!!!