Thursday’s Devotion – It Really Isn’t All About Me (or You!)

Philippians 2:3-4  (CEB)  Don’t do anything for selfish purposes but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others.

When Joe and I married we evolved into a real partnership.  We shared the responsibilities of home, family and earning an income.  We were rarely apart and over the years became even closer. When I decided I wanted a horse, we both took lessons, we both bought horses, we trained, rode and showed together.  We worshipped and sang in the choir together and took Lay Speaking classes together.  Then, I received the call to ministry and life began to revolve around me.  I left my job to return to school and then seminary.  I received an appointment which put even more demands on my schedule.  Joe supported me in so many ways. Now where we worship, how we order our days, when we travel and even where we live revolves around me.  I sometimes struggle with that. It bothers Joe a lot less than me. 

I try to get a good walk / run in every morning when the weather is good.  I’m sometimes torn between stopping to speak to people and reaching my goal.  Yesterday morning I decided to put others before my run and to see what happens.  Instead of blowing past my neighbor Pascal walking his dog, I slowed down and strolled with him.  I stopped to chat with a 92 year old neighbor, Evelyn.  Then I saw my next door neighbors’ dog out of their fence.  It took a while to rouse Kyle who works the night shift.  Kyle decided that he and Jake would join me on my walk. I did get almost 5 miles in eventually. Sometimes I am self centered, but I believe our lives are so much better when we find that me/others balance; when we make life about us with God right in the center.

Thank you Lord for the good neighbors I have.  Thank you for the opportunity to spend time with and lift up others.  Help us all to find balance between fulfilling our needs and caring for others.  We ask in the name of the One who gave his all for all. Amen.