Thank You?
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:21
Have you ever had one of those weeks where you felt frazzled and unappreciated?
How about days of insignificance that built up to a week in review with little gratitude from those around you? Sure, maybe you received the conciliatory thank you every now and then, but you missed out on receiving the deeper, heart-felt, outward signs of just how grateful others were of you?
That was my week.
How was yours? Have you had these kinds of days, weeks, or even months?
Whether you are single, a wife, mom, caregiver, employee or all of those wrapped up together and more—maybe you’ve had these kinds of days. The days that make you scream because your efforts seem to go unnoticed. The days where your efforts of making someone else’s life better are met with complaints or emptiness. The days when what isn’t going right stacks up like a cord of wood against what is good.
So how did I handle mine? I dreamt of running away to a far-off oasis all by myself to avoid the headaches. I gave a thought to holding a picket line in front of my house to let the world know I was done with it all. I envisioned what it was like to let go of ALL my responsibilities and just care for myself. Truly, I really did mull over all of these. And I dug myself deeper into a pity party as I did.
And I couldn’t feel God’s presence.
I sank lower.
Then I called my friend. I needed to speak to another woman about women’s struggles. I told her of my pains and my concerns and my plans. I told her how life wasn’t working out right now and I was really feeling insignificant in my family. I told her I craved a true sign of gratitude where there wasn’t one. I told her I desired a simple written note of thanks.
And God stepped in and used his servant to speak to me.
In the middle of her warm and consoling words, Raye threw in a pearl of wisdom. She reminded me that the only one we should seek acknowledgement from is the Master. The only thank you note we should want is from our Savior on our final day,–“well done, good and faithful servant.”
I took a hit between the eyes on that one. I was jolted back to life. Sure, carnal struggles will always come up against Christian values, but when you’re knee deep in the mire, to hear words that have true value and meaning from a friend is like a lifeline thrown to a sinking person. I felt the immediate pull of God beginning to lift me out of the pit I was in. He was there the whole time. I just needed to take my eyes off of me and put them on Him.
I needed the reminder…it’s not about the reward we seek here; it’s about the reward we receive in heaven. Everything we do. Every person we help. Every giving act for others… is seen. Oh, it is seen! And although we go into our closets every now and then to have a private scream because we think no one is noticing what we do—He notices!
“I, the Lord, search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10
It’s not easy writing about your low points in life, but as Raye gave me encouragement so I hope I have encouraged you. I think we women share these kinds of struggles and it’s good to know we’re not alone. If you, too, find yourself wanting that note of gratitude, rest assured that The Master is completing his thank-you list as we speak. I needed the reminder. Can you hold on to that as well? I’ll try. How about you?