(This is a free printable picture for www.BitsyCreations.com)

Father, thank You for being such a strong presence in all that transpired today. You know of my tech issues, also, please give me some direction as to what should be done. Amen.

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Rosemary – she was a wisp of a lady who humbly gave of her time and energy to the first church I served out of college. She was older (at least I thought so at the time, though she may have been just a few years older than I am right now!) and worked behind the scenes. She was by no means an up-front kind of person. But one year, I asked if she would be willing to sing a solo in the Christmas musical. It was nothing flashy but a short, simple, and peaceful opening to the Christmas hymn – I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. She was amazed that I would ask but I could also tell that she was so pleased to have been asked. It was something she had probably never even thought to do, but she did it beautifully.

Now over the years, I have had some powerful soloists. On many occasions, solos in musicals take strong singers who can really belt it out. Soaring high notes that sometimes go on forever it seems, can be the norm…but not this one. Both types of songs have their place, but Rosemary did so well with this one because she sang it in the same way she lived her life – with humility and a heart of service.

She didn’t sing it to impress or as proof of her giftedness. I believe she sang as a gift to her Savior.

We could all learn a lesson from Rosemary. She was a faithful, hard-working servant. She sought not accolades. She was probably tickled to see her name in the program of the program but that was by no means her reason for doing it.

Why do we do what we do? Is our goal to make sure others notice us? Do we desire words of praise? Many talented people are humble about the gifts with which they have been blessed. They gladly share them but are quick to give credit to the Giver of those gifts.

But there are more than a few who live for the fame and the praise and the glory of it all. They know they are special and strive to make sure every else does as well. Yes, they may be blessed with gifts of high regard but soon pride becomes dominant in their mindset, and not acknowledging said gifts and all the “gifted” think they are entitled to quickly puts you on their naughty list.

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 1 John 2:16 NLT

Lord Jesus, may we keep our gifts in proper perspective. And may we realize that You, and You alone, are to receive the praise and glory. Amen.

July 21st, 2021, Wed, 9:09 pm