Little Green Monster

I had a friend recently share with me his sadness in being at an event where someone was rightly recognized for the work he did, yet my friend was not mentioned at all for the work he did. My friend felt sad and was only asking me to lend a gentle ear so that I might keep him from feeling hurt. The work each person did was in helping others.

I told him that God knows what he did and that is all that matters. I explained that each of us wants (and may even deserve) a pat on the back once in a while, and that is only natural. I suggested surrendering it to God, who knows of our good intentions and good work.

As I thought about it afterwards and prayed for my friend, another thought came to my mind.

All the gifts used in life are gifts from God. We did not create anything on our own. We simply need to use what we have been given for the glory of God.

In remembering that we are doing it for Jesus, remembering that we are using God’s gifts in whatever success we may achieve, and knowing that we are the stewards of God’s ministry on earth; I think we can find peace. Any other thoughts may be the devil tempting us to say, “What about me?” when it is always about “Thee”, our loving God. This can keep us from being tempted to think, What am I? Chopped liver?

We are deeply valued and loved by God. When we succumb to other opposing negative thoughts, it can be the little green monster that sometimes exists in us. Thrust such thoughts aside, surrender any hurt feelings to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and find peace by thanking God for the gift of being His working hands on earth.

By: Deacon Tom Gryzbek